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

The beloved sandal brand is known for its rubber flip-flops, and this pair stays true to the classic style but with a twist. —Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 7 Mar. 2025

Markets grow tired of tariff changes U.S. stocks tumbled Thursday on tariff flip-flop fatigue. —Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 7 Mar. 2025

Own the night, or day, by wearing yours with pleated trousers and flip-flops. —Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2025

Advertisement Haynes ended up being the only one to flip-flop and was the deciding vote in banishing Reyes, leaving Haynes as the only remaining traitor in the game. —Megan McCluskey, TIME, 6 Mar. 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