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zigzag
[ zig-zag ]
noun
- a line, course, or progression characterized by sharp turns first to one side and then to the other.
- one of a series of such turns, as in a line or path.
adjective
- proceeding or formed in a zigzag:
zigzag stitches.
adverb
- with frequent sharp turns from side to side; in a zigzag manner:
The child ran zigzag along the beach.
verb (used with object)
- to make (something) zigzag, as in form or course; move or maneuver (something) in a zigzag direction:
They zigzagged their course to confuse the enemy.
verb (used without object)
- to proceed in a zigzag line or course.
zigzag
/ ˈzɪɡˌzæɡ /
noun
- a line or course characterized by sharp turns in alternating directions
- one of the series of such turns
- something having the form of a zigzag
adjective
- usually prenominal formed in or proceeding in a zigzag
- (of sewing machine stitches) produced in a zigzag by a swing needle used for joining stretch fabrics, neatening raw edges, etc
adverb
- in a zigzag manner
verb
- to proceed or cause to proceed in a zigzag
- tr to form into a zigzag
Derived Forms
- ˈzigˌzagger, noun
- ˈzigˌzaggedness, noun
Other Words From
- zig·zagged·ness [zig, -zag-id-nis], noun
Word History and Origins
Word History and Origins
Origin of zigzag1
Example Sentences
All of my adventures include U-turns, switchbacks, zigzags, and circles.
To neutralize this unstable electrical field, lightning zigzags between the charged clusters, says Cassandra Smith, a volcanologist at the Alaska Volcano Observatory in Anchorage.
Archaeologists walk or push the machines over the ground like a zigzagging lawnmower.
Then the balloon would tack around and slowly zigzag through the plume from the opposite direction.
The eccentric, improvisational zigzags in his early career, along with the array of challenging hobbies, suggest that Irvine is constantly searching for the proper match for his considerable abilities.
The first was christened by the great etiquette guru Emily Post as “zigzag” eating.
Indeed, Clinton responded to the GOP congressional takeover with exactly the same zigzag.
It cut its zigzag way through the marsh for many miles, and they could follow its course with the eye but a few feet at a time.
I do not know how to sympathize with any thing that is not straightforward and true, and your course is rather zigzag.
The stone walls of houses were cracked; one of the "mansions" had a zigzag crevice from top to bottom.
A steep and narrow path cuts along the former, and a really good road winds zigzag along the other to the Governor's House.
It is Norman, ornamented with a simply executed but very pleasing zigzag: the capitals of the piers are cushioned.
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More About Zigzag
What does zigzag mean?
A zigzag is a line of alternating, sharp up-and-down turns that form peaks and valleys kind of resembling the letter Z.
As a noun, zigzag can also refer to a route or path that resembles this kind of pattern, as in The dragonfly moved through the air in a zigzag.
Zigzag can also be used as a verb meaning to move back and forth while traveling forward in a way that resembles this pattern, as in The dragonfly zigzagged through the air.
As a verb, zigzag is most commonly used in the context of physical movement, but it can be used in situations in which people keep doing different things, such as changing their minds. A much more common term for this is flip-flop.
It is also used as an adjective in phrases like zigzag pattern. In sewing, a zigzag stitch is a type of stitch that can be made by a sewing machine, such as to finish the edges of a garment. Some sewing machines use an attachment called a zigzagger to make such stitches.
Example: Some animals, like the hare, move in a zigzag pattern when escaping predators, making it harder for them to be caught.
Where does zigzag come from?
The first records of the word zigzag come from around the early 1700s. It comes from the French ziczac, from the German zickzack, which is based on the German Zacke, meaning “point” or “jagged projection.”
Zigzags have jagged points from the line sharply moving up and then back down. Sometimes, people use the words zig and zag by themselves to mean to move in one of the directions in a zigzag pattern. This is usually used in a somewhat humorous way, as in You zigged when you should have zagged! Both zig and zag came from zigzag (not the other way around).
Did you know ... ?
How is zigzag used in real life?
Zigzag is commonly used as a noun, verb, and adjective. It’s typically used in the context of patterns and movements.
Who drew a zigzag and decided to call it a "N and why did someone draw that same zigzag sideways and call it a "Z"?
— Cierra (@PearlsForDogTag) March 22, 2014
DYK when squirrels feel threatened, they run away in a zigzag pattern. This is a useful strategy to predators. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work so well on cars. Consider slowing down and giving squirrels a brake! More squirrel facts: https://t.co/U08Ld8V7db #SquirrelAppreciationDay pic.twitter.com/twzn2tBErj
— National Wildlife Federation (@NWF) January 22, 2018
CM Rasmussen re sidewalk policy: “This new rule means fewer people walking into traffic or zigzagging across intersections on their way home
— Seattle City Council (@SeattleCouncil) October 15, 2015
Try using zigzag!
Which of the following words best describes a zigzag?
A. even
B. straight
C. jagged
D. smooth
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