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

Musk has also flip-flopped about whether DOGE’s staff members are paid. —Avi Asher-Schapiro, ProPublica, 20 Feb. 2025

The Missouri Highway Patrol said in certain cases, driving barefoot is safer as opposed to with heeled shoes or thin flip-flops. —Krystal Nurse, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2025

This means no shorts, no uniforms, and in Broward, no flip-flops or tank-tops. —Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 15 Feb. 2025

But after discovering the advantages of reaching young voters through the app during his campaign last fall, Mr. Trump flip-flopped. —Peter Baker, New York Times, 10 Feb. 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