flip
//flɪp//
Forms
- Plural
- flips
- present (v1)
- flip
- past (v2)
- flipped
- past participle (v3)
- flipped
- present participle
- flipping
- 3rd person singular
- flips
Definitions
1.A maneuver which rotates an object end over end.
- We'll decide this on a flip of a coin.
- The diver did a couple of flips before landing in the pool.
2.A complete change of direction, decision, movement etc.
3.A short flight.
4.A slingshot.(slang)
1.To throw so as to turn over.
- You need to flip the pancake onto the other side.
- Crucially, our research suggests that space weather is able to flip a signal in either direction, turning a red signal green or a green signal red. The former is obviously much more significant from a safety perspective.
2.To put into a quick revolving motion through a snap of the thumb and index finger.
- If you can't decide which option to go for, flip a coin.
- Parkour – often referred to as freerunning – entails creatively moving through an urban environment: flipping, jumping and vaulting across various obstacles.
3.To win a state (or county) won by another party in the preceding elections.
- Wisconsin had been Democratic for decades, but the Republicans flipped it in 2016.
4.To turn state's evidence; to agree to testify against one's co-conspirators in exchange for concessions from prosecutors.
- The mafioso flipped on his superiors to get a lighter sentence.
Frequency
Overall
Uncommon· #3723
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Rare
- General reading & writing
- Uncommon
- Academic
- Rare
- Literature
- Rare
Etymology
Alteration of earlier fillip, from Middle English filippen (“to make a signal or sound with thumb and right forefinger, snap the fingers”), an attenuated variation of flappen (“to flap, clap, slap, strike”).
Cognate with Dutch flappen (“to flap”), German flappen (“to flap”).