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

• 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

Aniston paired the hands-free style with two takes on her summer uniform — first with a black tank, cropped green pants, and flip-flops; then with layered camisoles, a black midi skirt, and black flip-flops. —Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025

And while everyone has been obsessing over The Row’s viral Dune flip-flops, Kylie weighed in with the summer’s most outre take on the footwear trend with sky-high ERL platforms, paired with a teensie bandeau and yoga pants. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 7 Aug. 2025

Havaianas’ classic flip-flops are all the rage, although leather flip-flops are a fashionable choice, too. —Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 6 Aug. 2025

While some cited rising travel costs, 4 in 10 respondents said flip-flopping U.S. tariffs had impacted their decision to travel. —Maia Pandey, jsonline.com, 6 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for flip-flop

• atop
• backdrop
• backstop
• bebop
• blacktop
• bookshop
• clatsop
• desktop
• eavesdrop
• estop
• hardtop
• hilltop