backflip

American  

[bak-flip] / ˈbækˌflɪp /

noun

1. a backward somersault.

2. a dive executed by somersaulting backward.

3. Informal. a complete reversal in attitude or policy.

   Some committee members did sudden backflips, urging spending cuts instead of expanded programs.

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verb (used without object)

backflipped, backflipping

1. to perform a backflip.

   She backflipped off a bucking horse.

Etymology

Origin of backflip

First recorded in 1930–35; back ² + flip ¹

Example Sentences

I feel like doing jumping jacks or a backflip or participating in an ice cream–eating contest.

From Literature

If robots are a scam, someone should tell Boston Dynamics, because its Atlas robot just did a backflip.

From MarketWatch

“Roz, I order you to do a backflip!”

From Literature

Apparently, we’re doing a backflip.

From Los Angeles Times

Teammate Cam Skattebo had a big game, including a successful conversion run that he celebrated with a backflip.

From Los Angeles Times