coin flip

noun

plural coin flips

1

: a method for randomly choosing between two options that involves tossing a coin up in the air and letting which side is shown when it lands determine the choice

For centuries, people have relied on the coin flip as a fair, unbiased, and quick way to settle disputes, start games, and make decisions. … In theory, a coin flip has a 50% chance of heads and a 50% chance of tails.

—Faddi Shaikh

A state law says when there is a tie and 5,000 or fewer votes in an election, the local board of elections must use a method of random selection, like a coin flip.

—Billy Chapman

Ryan anointed Tomlinson his starter and named him and former Chargers cornerback Antonio Cromartie captains for the opening coin flip.

—Damon Hack

2

: an even chance : toss-up

It was a total coin flip coming into the season … if it would be Rutherford or Glen Rock representing the Liberty in the four-team postseason.

—Ryan Patti

… there is no way to count more than 100 million votes and get the same count every time. If the vote is close—and that is the only situation where a single vote matters—it is essentially a coin flip.

—Michael Kinsley

Word History

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined at sense 1