1 A2 informal
To turn the pages of a book or magazine rapidly without reading carefully.
"I flipped through the recipe book until I found something easy to make."
inseparable
flip through
A2 informal inseparable transitive
To look through a book, magazine, or set of images quickly by turning pages or scrolling rapidly.
In plain English
To quickly look through a book or magazine by turning the pages fast without reading everything.
What does "flip through" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 informal
To scroll or swipe quickly through digital content such as photos or posts.
"She flipped through her camera roll looking for a photo to post."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To flip (turn quickly) through pages — transparent.
Actually means
To quickly look through a book or magazine by turning the pages fast without reading everything.
Usage tip
More common in American English than 'flick through'. Used for both physical pages and digital content such as photos or slides. Casual, everyday expression.
Words that pair with "flip through"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
magazine book photos catalogue channels slides
How to conjugate "flip through"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
flip through
I/you/we/they
3rd person
flips through
he/she/it
Past simple
fliped through
yesterday
Past participle
fliped through
have + pp
-ing form
fliping through
continuous
Hear "flip through" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "flip through" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.