flops; flopped; flopping
1
: to fall, lie, or sit down in a sudden, awkward, or relaxed way
He flopped down onto the bed.
She flopped into the chair with a sigh.
2
informal
: to fail completely
The play flopped. [=(US) bombed]
All of their attempts have flopped miserably.
3
: to swing or move in a loose, awkward, or uncontrolled way
The curtains were flopping around in the breeze.
plural flops
1
informal
: a complete failure
The movie was a total flop.
2
: the sound made when someone or something suddenly falls, lies, or sits down
It fell to the ground with a flop.
Cite this Entry
“Flop.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/flop. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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