zigzag

[ zig-zag ]

noun

1. a line, course, or progression characterized by sharp turns first to one side and then to the other.
2. one of a series of such turns, as in a line or path.

adjective

1. proceeding or formed in a zigzag:

   zigzag stitches.

adverb

1. with frequent sharp turns from side to side; in a zigzag manner:

   The child ran zigzag along the beach.

verb (used with object)

, zig·zagged, zig·zag·ging.

1. 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)

, zig·zagged, zig·zag·ging.

1. to proceed in a zigzag line or course.

zigzag

/ ˈzɪɡˌzæɡ /

noun

1. a line or course characterized by sharp turns in alternating directions
2. one of the series of such turns
3. something having the form of a zigzag

adjective

1. usually prenominal formed in or proceeding in a zigzag
2. (of sewing machine stitches) produced in a zigzag by a swing needle used for joining stretch fabrics, neatening raw edges, etc

adverb

1. in a zigzag manner

verb

1. to proceed or cause to proceed in a zigzag
2. tr to form into a zigzag

Derived Forms

• ˈzigˌzagger, noun
• ˈzigˌzaggedness, noun

Other Words From

• zig·zagged·ness [zig, -zag-id-nis], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of zigzag¹

1705–15; < French; replacing earlier ziczac < French < German zickzack, gradational compound based on Zacke tack ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of zigzag¹

C18: from French, from German zickzack, from Zacke point, jagged projection; see tack ¹

Example Sentences

The first was christened by the great etiquette guru Emily Post as “zigzag” eating.

From The Daily Beast

Indeed, Clinton responded to the GOP congressional takeover with exactly the same zigzag.

From The Daily Beast

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.

From Project Gutenberg

I do not know how to sympathize with any thing that is not straightforward and true, and your course is rather zigzag.

From Project Gutenberg

The stone walls of houses were cracked; one of the "mansions" had a zigzag crevice from top to bottom.

From Project Gutenberg

A steep and narrow path cuts along the former, and a really good road winds zigzag along the other to the Governor's House.

From Project Gutenberg

It is Norman, ornamented with a simply executed but very pleasing zigzag: the capitals of the piers are cushioned.

From Project Gutenberg