flounder Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun flesh of any of various American and European flatfish
noun any of various European and non-European marine flatfish
verb walk with great difficulty
stagger.
- He staggered along in the heavy snow
verb behave awkwardly; have difficulties
- She is floundering in college

Cf. Sw. flundra; akin to Dan. flynder, Icel. flyra, G. flunder, and perh. to E. flounder, v.i.

(Zoöl.) A flatfish of the family Pleuronectidæ, of many species. ✍ The common English flounder is Pleuronectes flesus. There are several common American species used as food; as the smooth flounder (P. glabra); the rough or winter flounder (P. Americanus); the summer flounder, or plaice (Paralichthys dentatus), Atlantic coast; and the starry flounder (Pleuronectes stellatus).
(Bootmaking) A tool used in crimping boot fronts.

Cf. D. flodderen to flap, splash through mire, E. flounce, v.i., and flounder the fish.

imperfect & past participle Floundered ; present participle & verbal noun Floundering

To fling the limbs and body, as in making efforts to move; to struggle, as a horse in the mire, or as a fish on land; to roll, toss, and tumble; to flounce.
They have floundered on from blunder to blunder. Sir W. Hamilton.