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

Larocca stood beside her in a black T-shirt, white shorts and flip-flops as the couple smiled for the camera. —Danielle Minnetian, FOXNews.com, 21 Jan. 2026

The models are likely to continue flip-flopping on snow totals for the rest of the week. —Justin Lewis, CBS News, 20 Jan. 2026

One afternoon, he and his friends, wearing t-shirts and flip-flops, wound up on Fremont Street, and walked into the Golden Gate, then owned by Mark Brandenburg. —Will Yakowicz, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026

The message may sound harsh—especially from a business leader who shows up to meetings in pink pajama pants and flip-flops. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 16 Jan. 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