flip-flop

noun

ˈflip-ˌfläp 

1

: the sound or motion of something flapping loosely

2

a

: a backward handspring

b

: a sudden reversal (as of policy or strategy)

3

: a usually electronic device or a circuit (as in a computer) capable of assuming either of two stable states

4

: a rubber sandal loosely fastened to the foot by a thong

flip-flop intransitive verb

Synonyms of flip-flop

• reversal
• change of heart

Examples of flip-flop in a Sentence

the governor's frequent flip-flops would indicate that she has no core beliefs

Recent Examples on the Web

The song begins as a familiar Mustard piano-and-fingersnaps ballad, as Mai flip-flops between icing her lover out and wanting to hold him close. —H.d. Angel, Pitchfork, 9 Feb. 2026

The president flees these tradeoffs as a matter of course and flip-flops unpredictably when pressures rise. —Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2026

Minutes earlier, former reality television star Spencer Pratt stepped out of his Ford F150 and changed from flip-flops into sneakers before walking into the building to file his declaration to run for mayor. —Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2026

The star embraced warm-weather style a little early, putting a twist on a polarizing footwear style with heeled flip-flops. —Lara Walsh, InStyle, 7 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1683, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for flip-flop

• atop
• backdrop
• backstop
• bebop
• blacktop
• bookshop
• clatsop
• desktop
• eavesdrop
• estop
• hardtop
• hilltop