flop
Flop (verb) means to fall or drop down heavily and loosely. Example: “He flopped onto the sofa after a long day.”
How to use flop
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo collapse loosely, or to fail badly.
Word forms
flopped past tense, flops plural, FLOPs plural, flops singular
Fill the gap
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The product launch was a total _____.
Etymology
Recorded since the early 1600s, likely a heavier-sounding variant of flap.
Related words
Rhymes for flop
See all rhymes for flop →Frequently asked questions
What does “flop” mean?
The word “flop” means to fall or drop down heavily and loosely. In plain terms, to collapse loosely, or to fail badly.
How do you pronounce “flop”?
“Flop” is pronounced flop (/flɑp/ in IPA).
How do you use “flop” in a sentence?
Here is “flop” used in a sentence: “He flopped onto the sofa after a long day.”
What part of speech is “flop”?
Depending on how it is used, “flop” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “flop” come from?
The word “flop” dates back to around 1600. Recorded since the early 1600s, likely a heavier-sounding variant of flap.
Is “flop” a common word?
“Flop” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “flop” have?
“Flop” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to fall or drop down heavily and loosely.
What is the difference between a flop and a failure?
A flop specifically describes a complete failure, especially of something meant to be well received, like a film, product, or performance, while "failure" is a broader term for not succeeding at anything. Calling something a flop often carries a slightly dismissive or disappointed tone.
What does it mean to "flop" onto a chair or bed?
This physical sense means to fall or drop down heavily and loosely, without control or grace, such as flopping onto the sofa after a long day. It emphasizes tiredness or a lack of effort in how someone sits or lies down.
Is "flop" formal or informal English?
"Flop" is informal in both senses, describing a heavy, loose fall and describing a complete failure, and wouldn't typically appear in formal or technical writing. Formal alternatives include "collapse" or "commercial failure," depending on context.
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