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

Macron has been described as pursuing a zigzag in his approach to the Middle East, as in many other domains, flipflopping inconsistently between outspoken statements of support for Israel and then its Arab neighbours.

From BBC

With its its powdery pastel colors, zigzag metal canopies, space-age scoreboard and verdant terraces filled with UFO-shaped urns, Dodger Stadium lived up to the hype.

From Los Angeles Times

Zigzag across Descanso Canyon by zip line.

From Los Angeles Times

These are only the first of many questions this zigzag season will take its time answering.

From Los Angeles Times

I grabbed Samir and said, “We can go back. We have to run in—” I couldn’t think of the word zigzag, so I motioned with my hand.

From Literature