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

Fall is almost here, which means my flip-flops and sandals are seeing their final days of 2026, and my boots and sneakers are waking up from a long slumber. — Annie Blackman, InStyle, 15 Aug. 2026

Pair them with a simple T-shirt and flip-flops for an easy daytime look, or dress them up with heels and a blazer. — Jacquelyn McGilvray, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026

Valentino contrasted gray pinstripes with turquoise Rockstud pumps, while at Carven, a cherry red flip-flop broke up a monochromatic black look. — Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 13 Aug. 2026

In that time, the team’s focus has flip-flopped from Arlington Heights to the Chicago lakefront, back to Arlington Heights and now to northwest Indiana. — Sean Hammond, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 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