backflip

American  

[bak-flip] / ˈbækˌflɪp /

noun

1. a backward somersault.

2. a dive executed by somersaulting backward.

3. Informal. a complete reversal in attitude or policy.

   Some committee members did sudden backflips, urging spending cuts instead of expanded programs.

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verb (used without object)

backflipped, backflipping

1. to perform a backflip.

   She backflipped off a bucking horse.

Etymology

Origin of backflip

First recorded in 1930–35; back ² + flip ¹

Example Sentences

In the team event he had also landed the first legal backflip at an Olympic Games since US champion Terry Kubicka in 1976 - after which it was banned for safety reasons.

From BBC • Feb. 13, 2026

Bonaly told the Associated Press this week it was great to see the backflip return to the Olympics because skating needs to be taken to a higher level.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 12, 2026

In the team event he also landed the first legal backflip at an Olympics since US champion Terry Kubicka in 1976, after which it was banned for safety reasons.

From Barron's • Feb. 12, 2026

The most spectacular backflip at this Winter Olympics is happening on ice, not snow.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026

Malik has the hairiest toes, and for the last few weeks, his right big toenail has been all black and blue and yellow because he jammed it doing a backflip.

From "A High Five for Glenn Burke" by Phil Bildner