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

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

From Los Angeles Times

On Day 5, shortly after the backyard sprinklers stopped their cycle, a single squirrel tentatively zigzagged across the yard bound for the bird feeder.

From Los Angeles Times

Three years later, Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture whisked them off to a quaint fictional village in the west of England, zigzagging through arable fields and well-ordered front gardens.

From New York Times

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.

<img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-172305" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-172305" src="https://www.dictionary.com/e/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/zigzag-300x180.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="180" srcset="https://www.dictionary.com/e/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/zigzag-300x180.jpg 300w, https://www.dictionary.com/e/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/zigzag.jpg 537w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />

Getty Images. A pattern of zigzags.

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 ... ?

What are some other forms related to zigzag?

• zigzaggedness (noun)
• zigzagger (noun)

What are some words that share a root or word element with zigzag? 

 

• zig
• zag
• zigzag rule
• tack

What are some words that often get used in discussing zigzag?

 

• pattern
• line
• stitch
• move
• run
• back
• forth
• jagged
• edge

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