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)

zigzagged, zigzagging 

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)

zigzagged, zigzagging 

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

Other Word Forms

• zigzaggedness noun
• zigzagger 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

They try to hide under trees and the shadows of buildings, and run in zigzags when drones start chasing them.

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This is his Pynchoniad, a zigzagging epic of America and the world through our bloodiest, most shameful hundred years.

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Sandy Yang’s home, whose form is inspired by the area’s zigzagging mountains, is designed to help a couple without children form their own vibrant community.

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Their filmography zigzags between thrillers and comedies, lean exercises and awards heavyweights, never making the same movie twice.

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It was all very impressive, but I kept thinking Philly — who travels nose to the ground, zigzagging through the world — would have been kicked out of class.

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When To Use

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.[caption id="attachment_172305" align="alignnone" width="300"] Getty Images. A pattern of zigzags.[/caption]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.