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flounder1 definition

floun·der (flo̵un′dər)

intransitive verb

  1. to struggle awkwardly to move, as in deep mud or snow; plunge about in a stumbling manner
  2. to speak or act in an awkward, confused manner, with hesitation and frequent mistakes

Etymology: earlier flunder, ? blend of blunder + founder

noun

the act of floundering
flounder2 definition

floun·der (flo̵un′dər)

noun pl. flounder -·der or flounders -·ders

any of two families (Bothidae and Pleuronectidae) of flatfishes, including halibut, plaice, and turbot

Etymology: ME < Scand as in Swed flundra, akin to Ger flunder < IE base *plāt-, flat

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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