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

• about-face
• about-turn [British]
• reversal
• turnabout
• turnaround
• U-turn
• volte-face

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

Kendall Jenner may be able to afford $890 flip-flops, but most of us are not so fortunate. —Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 7 June 2025

Trump has flip-flopped on that position and now calls for it to be eliminated altogether. —Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 5 June 2025

Old Navy Flip-Flop Sandals In addition to crossbody bags, Aniston likes — and maybe even loves — a pair of flip-flops. —Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 5 June 2025

Wear flip-flops or other footwear to avoid direct contact with the ground near pools, water parks, or other warm, moist environments where ringworm, athlete's foot, and nail fungus are easily transmitted. —Sarah Richards, Verywell Health, 3 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for flip-flop

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