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

Will Trump Negotiate Tariffs? 90-Day Pause Issued As These Countries Ask To Bargain This season, Van Ness should be able to flip-flop spots with fellow defensive end Rashan Gary throughout a game and could draw more favorable matchups. —Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025

During a recent editorial meeting, conversation turned to a pair of The Row flip-flops at the center of this week’s fashion discourse. —Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 9 Apr. 2025

Translation: no flip-flops or sandals that show off your pedi. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Apr. 2025

Now the fear is that recent weeks' trade drama — tariff flip-flops and policy hanging in the balance — will stick around for the next four years. —Courtenay Brown, Axios, 2 Apr. 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