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.
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 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Flip-flop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flip-flop. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on flip-flop

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!