flip-flop

noun

ˈflip-ˌfläp 

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

Synonyms

• about-face
• about-turn [British]
• reversal
• turnabout
• turnaround
• U-turn
• volte-face

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

Trump, who once harshly criticized TikTok, flip-flopped to sign an executive order on his first day in office delaying for 75 days the enforcement of the law. —Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 7 Feb. 2025

As anyone who’s spent a day in flimsy flip-flops or sky-high heels knows, the wrong shoes don’t just hurt your feet. —Sara Coughlin, SELF, 7 Feb. 2025

The independent politician's nomination was met with bipartisan concerns given his controversial past statements and flip-flopping political views. —Kyler Alvord, People.com, 4 Feb. 2025

There’s even a secure zipper pocket to store extras in, like snacks, hand sanitizer, or comfy flip-flops. —Olivia Bria, Travel + Leisure, 3 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1