flop

[ flop ]

verb (used without object)

, flopped, flop·ping.

1. to fall or plump down suddenly, especially with noise; drop or turn with a sudden bump or thud (sometimes followed by down ):

   The puppy flopped down on the couch.

2. to change suddenly, as from one side or party to another (often followed by over ).
3. to be a complete failure; fail:

   The play flopped dismally.

4. Informal. to sleep or be lodged:

   to flop at a friend's house.

5. to swing loosely; bounce; flap:

   His long hair flops in his eyes when he runs.

verb (used with object)

, flopped, flop·ping.

1. to drop with a sudden bump or thud:

   He flopped his books on a chair.

2. to dispose (oneself ) in a heavily negligent manner:

   to flop oneself in a chair.

3. to invert (the negative of a photograph) so that the right and left sides are transposed.

noun

1. an act of flopping.
2. the sound of flopping; a thud.
3. a failure:

   The new comedy was a flop.

   Synonyms: dog, bomb, debacle, disaster, fiasco

4. Informal. a place to sleep; temporary lodging:

   The mission offered a flop and a free breakfast.

5. Basketball. an exaggerated or dramatic fall intended to persuade officials to penalize the opposing team for a foul:

   His comically oversold flop didn’t fool the referees at all.

flop

/ flɒp /

verb

1. intr to bend, fall, or collapse loosely or carelessly

   his head flopped backwards

2. whenintr, often foll by into, onto, etc to fall, cause to fall, or move with a sudden noise

   the books flopped onto the floor

3. informal.
   intr to fail; be unsuccessful

   the scheme flopped

4. intr to fall flat onto the surface of water, hitting it with the front of the body
5. slang.
   introften foll byout to go to sleep

noun

1. the act of flopping
2. informal.
   a complete failure
3. slang.
   a place to sleep
4. athletics See Fosbury flop
5. the flop
   poker the first three community cards dealt face-up in a round of any of several varieties of poker, including Texas hold 'em

Other Words From

• flopper noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of flop¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; variant of flap; flop def 11 was first recorded in 1890–95.

Word History and Origins

Origin of flop¹

C17: variant of flap

Example Sentences

Still, the solid performances of both movies are an early, much-needed holiday gift to the movie theater industry, which has suffered a disappointing autumn thanks to critical and commercial flops such as Warner Bros.’

From Los Angeles Times

Following multiple critical and commercial flops, morale is up among exhibitors betting on a strong end to 2024 and start to 2025.

From Los Angeles Times

Cable channels have long been a key economic pillar by generating billions of dollars in cable distribution fees that more than covered up the misses when big-budget movies flopped or during advertising recessions.

From Los Angeles Times

While the efforts have been laudable, unfortunately, the results have all been flops and “Here” is no exception.

From Los Angeles Times

Also, don’t ever wear flip flops on a zip line.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bust
• debacle
• disaster
• dud
• fiasco
• washout

More About Flop

What does flop mean?

To flop is to plump down or fall suddenly, often making a noise, as in After the long hike, Sasha flopped on the grass to rest.

To flop can also mean to drop something with a sudden bump, as in Dola flopped her books to the floor to make room on the desk.

To flop also means to fail completely, as in The new play flopped because the actors didn’t know their lines and no one came after opening night.

Flop can be used as a noun to refer to any of these actions, as well.

Example: I flopped on the couch after a long day of work.

Where does flop come from?

The first records of the term flop come from around 1595. It is a variant of the word flap. It was first used to mean “a failure” around 1890.

Flop’s main sense relates to a sudden fall, but this can be used broadly. For example, the term flip-flop means “to change suddenly,” as well as a type of sandal that creates a flopping sound when you walk in them. Flop often describes someone laying down to rest or sleep, but it can also describe a fall that is somewhat humorous. As a failure, flop often describes a product or business that is not well received.

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to flop?

• flopper (noun)
• floppy (adjective)

What are some synonyms for flop?

• bust
• disaster
• flounder
• dangle
• fold
• misfire

What are some words that share a root or word element with flop?

• flap
• flop-eared
• flophouse
• floppy disk

What are some words that often get used in discussing flop?

• bed
• business
• couch
• end
• failure

How is flop used in real life?

Flop is frequently used to mean failure.

Well, if you’re going to have a flop, make sure your name is on it at least 4x. I’m proud of #CharliesAngels and happy it’s in the world.

— Elizabeth Banks (@ElizabethBanks) November 18, 2019

if y'all let Kesha's album flop i will never forgive u

— elijah daniel (@elijahdaniel) July 14, 2017

Papers, presentations, finals, planning Thanksgiving and Lyric’s Birthday…I’m ready to flop on the couch and have a cheat day. #Pooped

— Beth Copeland (@TheBethPhoenix) November 22, 2017

 

 

Try using flop!

Is flop used correctly in the following sentence?

“Oba was so excited that she flopped up from her chair and danced around.