flop
flop Lexical Profile
flop Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A complete failure, especially a theatrical production, film, or commercial product that fails to attract an audience or buyers.
"Despite its massive marketing budget, the summer movie turned out to be a costly box-office flop."
A heavy, loose, or awkward fall or movement, or the dull slapping sound produced by it.
"With a loud flop, the large trout landed on the wooden deck of the fishing boat."
North American A deliberate fall by a player to feign an injury or exaggerate contact in order to draw a foul from the referee.
"The referee saw right through the defender's dramatic flop and issued a warning for unsportsmanlike conduct."
In Texas hold'em and similar poker variants, the first three community cards dealt face up in the center of the table.
"Several players folded their hands immediately after seeing the unfavorable cards on the flop."
• verb
To fail completely, especially in reference to a commercial venture, show, or performance (informal).
"The new Broadway musical flopped after receiving universally harsh reviews from drama critics."
To fall, drop, or sit down heavily, loosely, or clumsily.
"After a twelve-hour shift at the hospital, she flopped onto the sofa and immediately fell asleep."
To hang or sway loosely and heavily, or to thrash about ungainly.
"The spaniel's long ears flopped up and down as it ran eagerly across the meadow."
North American To fall intentionally or exaggerate physical contact during a game in order to deceive an official into calling a foul.
"Basketball leagues have introduced fines to discourage players from flopping during crucial playoff games."
• adverb
With a heavy, loose, or sudden dropping motion and sound.
"The exhausted hiker fell flop onto the cabin mattress without even taking off his boots."
• Rhymes for flop
Word Origin & Etymology
First recorded in the early 17th century as an imitative variant of 'flap,' altering the vowel to evoke a heavier, duller sound of impact.