flip
flihp
Flip (verb) means to turn something over quickly, often with a snapping motion. Example: “She flipped the card over to see what was written on the back.”
verb
1
To turn something over quickly, often with a snapping motion.
"She flipped the card over to see what was written on the back."
"Could you flip the burgers before they burn on that side?"
"He flipped the pancake perfectly on the first try."
2
To buy something (often property) and quickly resell it for profit.
"He hopes to flip the old flat and make a profit within a year."
"Some people flip trainers online, buying limited pairs and reselling them quickly."
"They flip houses for a living, buying cheap and selling after renovation."
3
To suddenly become very angry or lose control (informal).
"If you tell her you lost the keys, she will flip."
"The coach flipped when the players ignored his instructions again."
"My dad flipped when he saw the dent in the car."
noun
1
A maneuver that rotates something, or someone, end over end.
"The diver did a double flip before entering the water."
"The skateboarder finished the trick with a clean flip in mid-air."
"The gymnast landed a perfect backward flip."
How to use flip
Learner’s notesIn 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
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like flip.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- flips
- Third person singular
- flips
- Past tense
- flipped
- Comparative
- flipper
- Superlative
- flippest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Could you _____ the burgers before they burn on that side?
Etymology
An alteration of the older word fillip, describing a snap of the fingers or thumb.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for flip
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:
