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

• about-face
• about-turn [British]
• reversal
• turnabout
• turnaround
• U-turn
• volte-face

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

Many arrived in the national park known for its changeable weather and remote locales in flip-flops and bathing suits. —Alex Ledsom, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024

More forecasts:Old Farmer's Almanac says to keep your flip-flops out for fall. —John Tufts, The Indianapolis Star, 18 Dec. 2024

Restaurants typically don’t have dress codes (you’ll never be asked to put on a blazer at a silver-service restaurant), but at many city bars and sports pubs, dress codes are enforced: no thongs (flip-flops), singlets (tank tops) and high-vis workwear. —Chloe Sachdev, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Dec. 2024

Around them, the street bustled with men on motorbikes, dressed in fatigues and flip-flops. —Eliza Griswold, The New Yorker, 17 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1