I. ˈflau̇n-dər noun
( plural flounder or flounders )
Etymology: Middle English, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Norwegian flundra flounder
Date: 15th century
: flatfish ; especially : a marine fish of either of two families (Pleuronectidae and Bothidae) that include important food fishes
II. intransitive verb
( floun·dered ; floun·der·ing -d(ə-)riŋ)
Etymology: probably alteration of founder
Date: 1592
1. : to struggle to move or obtain footing : thrash about wildly
2. : to proceed or act clumsily or ineffectually