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

On June 21, the Rhode Skin founder was photographed in New York City wearing polka dots, skinny capris, and heeled flip-flops to create the most specifically summer-of-2025 outfit ever devised by an influencer or a stylist. —Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 22 June 2025

Made of vegan leather with plenty of traction and claiming no break-in period, these Reef flip-flops are a great option. —Jennifer Vermeer, Travel + Leisure, 22 June 2025

What’s behind President Donald Trump’s flip-flop on raiding farms, hotels, and restaurants for immigrant workers? —Irina Ivanova, Fortune, 22 June 2025

Aniston paired the hands-free style with two takes on her summer uniform — first with a black tank, cropped green pants, and flip-flops; then with layered camisoles, a black midi skirt, and black flip-flops. —Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 21 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