: a backward somersault especially in the air

Examples of backflip in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Sure, one robot landed a backflip—but then a piece of it broke off and flew toward the crowd. Stephen Witt, New Yorker, 29 June 2026 One kid turned two backflips in a row in the middle of Bishop Street. Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2026 But a backflip on the White House lawn takes things to an entirely different level. Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 10 June 2026 John Koetsier The new flex in humanoid robotics isn’t a backflip or a dance routine. John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for backflip

Word History

First Known Use

1904, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of backflip was in 1904

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Cite this Entry

“Backflip.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backflip. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

backflip

noun
: a backward somersault especially in the air
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