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

But Silicon Valley men seem to be shying away from showing their legs at the office as the stereotype of the scruffy tech genius in shorts and flip-flops fades. — Chloe Veltman, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026

This was an era long before people paraded through hotels in flip-flops, yoga pants and workout bras. — Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026

In January, the duo gave a glimpse of what’s to come when Dillane featured a collaborative flip-flop in his fall/winter 2026 runway show at Paris Men’s Fashion Week. — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026

Just as cool-girl flip-flops are a summer essential, slip-on clogs are a must in my fall wardrobe. — Anna Traver, InStyle, 25 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