Flip: meaning, definitions and examples

Used for flipping something quickly, typically with a small object or a switch.

• He flipped the coin to decide who would go first
• She flipped the light switch to turn on the lights

Used when making a light or casual throw, often with short distance or less force.

• She tossed the keys to him across the room
• He tossed the salad with dressing

Used when a forceful or deliberate act is made to cast something through the air, often covering a distance.

• He threw the ball to his friend in the outfield
• She threw the crumpled paper into the trash can

Used when describing something rolling or falling in a disorderly or uncontrolled way.

• The kitten tumbled down the stairs while playing
• The clothes tumbled in the dryer

Used when turning something over completely, such as a pancake or a card.

• She flipped over the pancake to cook the other side
• He flipped over the paper to check the answers on the back

To refer to turning over an object quickly using your fingers.

• She flipped the light switch
• He flipped through the pages of the book

Used for describing a complete 360-degree turn in the air or on the ground, often in gymnastics or acrobatics.

• The gymnast performed a perfect somersault
• The child attempted a somersault but ended up falling

To describe an uncontrolled or chaotic fall, often involving rolling or bouncing.

• He took a tumble down the stairs
• The cat tumbled off the couch while playing

Commonly describing a continuous circular motion or movement along a surface.

• The ball started to roll down the hill
• The dog loves to roll in the grass