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

Starmer won a landslide in 2024 running from the center, but has since flip-flopped on key issues and alienated his base, a UK political journalist wrote in The New York Times. —Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 7 May 2026

Other items included a sneaker, a flip-flop, glass, six socks and a battery pack. —Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 May 2026

Zendaya and Jennifer Lawrence are flipping the script on flip-flops. —Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 3 May 2026

Pack it in your suitcase for your next vacation and style it with flip-flops and a beachy updo for dinner at your favorite restaurant after a long day in the sun. —Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 2 May 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