verb B2 Upper-Intermediate Common

flip

flihp

Flip (verb) means to turn something over quickly, often with a snapping motion. Example: “He flipped the pancake perfectly on the first try.”

verb

To turn something over quickly, often with a snapping motion.

"He flipped the pancake perfectly on the first try."

To buy something (often property) and quickly resell it for profit.

"They flip houses for a living, buying cheap and selling after renovation."

To suddenly become very angry or lose control (informal).

"My dad flipped when he saw the dent in the car."

noun

A maneuver that rotates something, or someone, end over end.

"The gymnast landed a perfect backward flip."

How to Use Flip

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo turn something over quickly, or informally, to buy-and-resell for profit, or to suddenly lose your temper.

When to use it

"Flip out" (get angry) and "flip a house" (resell for profit) are both informal usages.

Common pairings

flip a coin flip a house flip out flip a pancake

Word Forms

flipper comparative, flipped past tense, flips plural, Flips plural, flips singular, flippest superlative

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “flip” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

They _____ houses for a living, buying cheap and selling after renovation.

Etymology

An alteration of the older word fillip, describing a snap of the fingers or thumb.

Synonyms

View more →

toss overturn invert flick spin somersault

Related Words

turn picture film movie click throw cast sky

Rhymes for flip

lip slip clip blip

See all rhymes for flip →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “flip” mean?

The word “flip” means to turn something over quickly, often with a snapping motion. In plain terms, to turn something over quickly, or informally, to buy-and-resell for profit, or to suddenly lose your temper.

How do you pronounce “flip”?

“Flip” is pronounced flihp (/flɪp/ in IPA).

How do you use “flip” in a sentence?

Here is “flip” used in a sentence: “He flipped the pancake perfectly on the first try.”

What part of speech is “flip”?

Depending on how it is used, “flip” can be a verb and a noun.

Is “flip” a common word?

“Flip” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “flip” have?

“Flip” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to turn something over quickly, often with a snapping motion.

What is the difference between flip and flop?

To flip is to turn something over quickly with a snapping motion. Flop suggests falling or dropping heavily and loosely, without control. Flipping is a sharp, deliberate turn, while flopping is a limp, uncontrolled movement.

What is the difference between flip and toss?

Both can describe throwing something into the air, and "flip a coin" and "toss a coin" mean the same thing. Flip stresses the quick turning or spinning motion, while toss stresses the throwing motion, so they overlap closely but are not always interchangeable.

What is the difference between flip and turn?

Turn is a general word for changing position or direction, and it can be slow or gentle. Flip specifically means to turn something over quickly, often with a snapping motion, as when you flip a pancake. Flip implies speed and a sudden movement that turn does not.

Featured In

Vocabulary lists that include flip:

Words That Start With F Words That End With P

People Also Searched

turn picture film movie click throw cast sky