I. flip 1 /flɪp/ BrE AmE verb ( past tense and past participle flipped , present participle flipping )
[ Date: 1500-1600 ; Origin: Probably from the sound ]
1 . MOVE [intransitive, transitive always + adverb/preposition] to move something with a quick sudden movement so that it is in a different position:
He flipped the top off the bottle and poured himself a drink.
She flipped the lid of the box open and looked inside.
flip over
He flipped the paper over and started writing on the back.
2 . TURN IN THE AIR [transitive] to make a flat object such as a coin go upwards and turn over in the air SYN toss :
We flipped a coin to see who would go first.
There’s quite an art to flipping pancakes.
3 . ANGRY [intransitive] informal to suddenly become very angry or upset SYN lose it :
I just flipped and started shouting.
4 . TURN A SWITCH [transitive] to move a switch so that a machine or piece of electrical equipment starts or stops SYN flick :
Anna flipped the switch that opened the front gate.
flip something on/off
Josie flipped on the radio.
5 . TURN PAGES [intransitive and transitive] to turn the pages of a book or newspaper quickly, especially because you are looking for something:
He picked up the newspaper and flipped straight to the sports pages.
flip through
I flipped through my address book but couldn’t find her phone number.
6 . flip your lid informal to suddenly become very angry SYN go crazy :
Mom flipped her lid when she found out I was pregnant.
flip somebody ↔ off phrasal verb American English informal
( also flip somebody the bird ) to make a rude sign at someone by lifting up your middle finger and keeping your other fingers down
II. flip 2 BrE AmE noun [countable]
[ Date: 1900-2000 ; Origin: Filipino ]
1 . an action in which you make a flat object such as a coin go upwards and turn over in the air SYN toss :
In the end the decision was made by the flip of a coin.
2 . a movement in which you jump up and turn over in the air, so that your feet go over your head SYN somersault :
I tripped and almost did a backward flip down the stairs.
3 . an action in which you turn the pages of a book or newspaper quickly, especially because you are looking for something SYN flick
flip through
I had a quick flip through my cookery books and found a recipe that sounded quite nice.
III. flip 3 BrE AmE adjective informal
not said or meant seriously SYN flippant :
I was fed up with his flip comments.