flip-flop

American  

[flip-flop] / ˈflɪpˌflɒp /

Also flip-flap

noun

1. Informal. a sudden or unexpected reversal, as of direction, belief, attitude, or policy.

2. a backward somersault.

3. Also called flip-flop circuit.  Electronics. an electronic circuit having two stable conditions, each one corresponding to one of two alternative input signals.

4. any of several similar devices having two alternative states, the change of state being caused by some input signal or by some change of input.

5. the sound and motion of something flapping, as a windblown shutter; a banging to and fro.

6. any backless, usually open-toed flat shoe or slipper.

7. a flat, backless rubber sandal, usually secured on the foot by a thong between the first two toes, as for use at a beach, swimming pool, etc.

8. (in advertising) a display or presentation, usually on an easel, consisting of a series of pages hinged at the top and flipped over in sequence.

---

adverb

1. with repeated sounds and motions, as of something flapping.

verb (used without object)

flip-flopped, flip-flopping

1. Informal. to make a sudden or unexpected reversal, as of direction, belief, attitude, or policy.

   The opposition claimed that the president had flip-flopped on certain issues.

2. to execute a backward somersault.

3. to flap; bang to and fro.

   The door flip-flopped in the high wind.

flip-flop British  

noun

1. a backward handspring

2. Also called: bistable.  an electronic device or circuit that can assume either of two stable states by the application of a suitable pulse

3. informal a complete change of opinion, policy, etc

4. a repeated flapping or banging noise

5. Also called (US, Canadian, Austral, and NZ): thong.  a rubber-soled sandal attached to the foot by a thong between the big toe and the next toe

---

verb

1. informal to make a complete change of opinion, policy, etc

2. to move with repeated flaps

adverb

1. with repeated flappings

   to go flip-flop

Etymology

Origin of flip-flop

First recorded in 1655–65

Example Sentences

“The flip-flop developments in US-China tariffs war have added volatility to the market, further fueling trading activity.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 5, 2025

Overall, this might look like a wild flip-flop: A popular and widely sold supplement with some science behind it just doesn’t seem to work.

From Slate • Jun. 20, 2025

Knox and Sollecito were convicted in their first trial, but after a series of flip-flop verdicts, they were ultimately exonerated by Italy’s highest court in 2015.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 4, 2024

I am convinced things will keep on changing in the weeks to come, with the leading trio continuing to flip-flop their positions at the top.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2024

His blue eyes light up in a way that makes my stomach flip-flop.

From "Five Feet Apart" by Rachael Lippincott

Related Words

• U-turn
• about-face
• reversal
• turnabout
• volte-face