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

Ventilation aside, the springy print also tied the whole outfit together — her camel carryall and red flip-flops matched nicely with the bright blooms featured on her trousers. —Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026

This control sequence, called a Hamiltonian, acts like Maxwell’s demon, flip-flopping a supposedly irreversible sequence of events forward to backward. —Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 21 Apr. 2026

The Getaway Platform Sandal reworks a classic flip-flop with a slight lift and fun color options, from metallics to bright pink. —Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 17 Apr. 2026

The lack of reprieve meant that along with Greg’s flip-flopping shifts, my moods tended to follow suit. —Literary Hub, 15 Apr. 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