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

All of my adventures include U-turns, switchbacks, zigzags, and circles.

From Outside Online

To neutralize this unstable electrical field, lightning zigzags between the charged clusters, says Cassandra Smith, a volcanologist at the Alaska Volcano Observatory in Anchorage.

From Science News

Archaeologists walk or push the machines over the ground like a zigzagging lawnmower.

From Science News

Then the balloon would tack around and slowly zigzag through the plume from the opposite direction.

From MIT Technology Review

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.

From Quanta Magazine

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

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