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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Gone are the days of sweating in heavy sneakers and tripping over flimsy flip-flops. Sara Coughlin, SELF, 24 Apr. 2025 Trump has since flip-flopped on many of those tariff plans, but uncertainty has continued to roil markets. Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2025 While the chaos has not reached the first Trump administration’s levels, the mistakes, miscommunications and flip-flops have started piling up after an early run defined by a flood of major policy changes at breakneck speed. Luke Broadwater, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2025 Elevated flip-flops Thong sandals never really go away, but they’re poised to have a bigger year than usual after popping up everywhere from Alaïa to Bottega Veneta this season. Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 18 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for flip-flop

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of flip-flop was in 1600

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Cite this Entry

“Flip-flop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flip-flop. Accessed 27 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on flip-flop

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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