What does "fluke" mean?
A lucky or improbable occurrence that could probably never be repeated.
Fluke
/fluk/ name, noun, verb
name, noun, verb ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A lucky or improbable occurrence that could probably never be repeated.
- Grammar: fluke is listed as name, noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: trematode, accident, accident, adventure.
- Useful contrasts: deliberate act, free living flatworm, head.
- Usage evidence: For all his success, Tom was regarded by all as a fluke.
How to use "fluke"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "fluke" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "fluke" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "fluke" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "fluke" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "fluke" is acting as name, noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "trematode" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A lucky or improbable occurrence that could probably never be repeated.
"We've classified by a fluke; actually, the first goal was just a total fluke."
- 2 A summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus)
- 3 Any of the triangular blades at the end of an anchor, designed to catch the ground.
"The fluke of the anchor was wedged between two outcroppings of rock and could not be dislodged."
- 4 parasitic flatworms having external suckers for attaching to a host wordnet
- 5 A trematode; a parasitic flatworm of the class Trematoda, related to tapeworms (class Cestoda).
"The man became infected with flukes after eating a meal of raw fish."
Show 8 more definitions
- 6 Either of the two lobes of a whale's or similar creature's tail.
"The dolphin had an open wound on the left fluke of its tail where the propeller had injured it."
- 7 either of the two lobes of the tail of a cetacean wordnet
- 8 A metal hook on the head of certain staff weapons (such as a bill), made in various forms depending on function, whether used for grappling or to penetrate armour when swung at an opponent.
"The polearm had a wide, sharpened fluke attached to the central point."
- 9 flat bladelike projection on the arm of an anchor wordnet
- 10 In general, a winglike formation on a central piece.
"After casting the bronze statue, we filed down the flukes and spurs from the molding process."
- 11 a barb on a harpoon or arrow wordnet
- 12 Waste cotton.
- 13 a stroke of luck wordnet
Verb
- 1 To obtain a successful outcome by pure chance.
"I fluked a pass in the multiple-choice exam."
- 2 To fortuitously pot a ball in an unintended way.
"He fluked the other red into the middle pocket, despite the double kiss."
Proper Noun
- 1 A surname.
Antonyms
Example
"For all his success, Tom was regarded by all as a fluke."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "fluke"?
Common synonyms include: trematode, accident, accident, adventure, anchor, blessing.
How do you use "fluke" in a sentence?
For all his success, Tom was regarded by all as a fluke.
How do you pronounce "fluke"?
Pronounced /fluk/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
Unknown, perhaps dialectal. It seems to have originally referred to a lucky shot at billiards. Possibly connected to sense 3, referring to whales' use of flukes to move rapidly. Possibly derived from German Glück (“luck, good fortune, happiness”).
Etymology 2
From Old English flōc (“flatfish”), of Germanic origin, related to German flach (“flat”), Old Norse floke (“flatfish”), all ultimately from Proto-Germanic *flakaz.
Etymology 3
Mid-16th century in the sense of “anchor blade”. Probably the same word as in etymology 2 above or else a related word for something flat (cf. Proto-Germanic *flakaz). A derivation from Middle Low German vlögel (“wing”), from Proto-Germanic *flugilaz, seems phonetically impossible. If anything, related vlōch, vlucht (“flight”, both also “wing”) or even *vlunke (modern Low German Flunk (“wing, pinion”)) are more plausible candidates. Note that the kind of whale's fin is called Fluke in contemporary German, but this is likely from English.
Etymology 4
Variant of Flook.