flail

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Such small fry could easily flail or fail.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026

He opened the unlocked door of a police vehicle, climbed into the back and began to flail in distress.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026

Gobert was initially assessed a common foul, but officials ruled it a flagrant after a review, saying he made an "unnecessary flail" with his arm.

From Barron's • Feb. 21, 2026

"When other fish get caught in those nets they sort of flail and it sends out a vibration underwater, sort of like ringing the dinner bell," says Prof Pepin-Neff.

From BBC • Oct. 3, 2025

“He could not hold the flail rightly and Ching would show him...”

From "The Good Earth" by Pearl S. Buck