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

Six weeks after a disastrous skate knocked the Olympic gold-medal favorite off the podium, the “quad god” reeled off one huge jump after another, and a backflip for good measure, to retain his world championship title for the third year running.

From Los Angeles Times

Lloyd did a backflip and lit on Tansy.

From Literature

He did learn how to do a backflip but is aware of his limitations, and is keen on shouting out his stunt double, Cameron Groep.

From Los Angeles Times

I mean, sure, I still have to stand up in front of the class and tell them I’ve barely managed to locate three members of my family, let alone actually find out anything about them, and yes, when I think about that, the butterflies do a quick backflip.

From Literature

They always do a backflip when I say I have new music.

From Los Angeles Times