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

Thanks in part to skaters like France's Surya Bonaly - who performed the move illegally but successfully at Nagano 1998 - the backflip is now legal again.

From BBC • Feb. 13, 2026

He jogged out of the tunnel and acted as if he would throw a backflip.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2026

Long Beach native Terry Kubicka performed the first backflip in the Olympics in 1976, but the ISU banned it swiftly after.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 12, 2026

France's Surya Bonaly performed the move illegally but successfully at Nagano 1998 and the backflip has now been made legal again.

From Barron's • Feb. 12, 2026

When Jenny raised her treat hand even higher, Chico did a backflip for his big finish.

From "Dog Squad" by Chris Grabenstein