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View synonyms for

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

/ ˈɪɡˌæɡ /

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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

adverb

  1. in a zigzag manner
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

verb

  1. to proceed or cause to proceed in a zigzag
  2. tr to form into a zigzag
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈˌ, noun
  • ˈˌԱ, noun
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Other yvlogs From

  • ·g·Ա [zig, -zag-id-nis], noun
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yvlog History and Origins

Origin of zigzag1

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

Origin of zigzag1

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

A former Marine, Puerta now zigzags the nation sharing his son’s story.

From

We watch British and Romanian troops repeat drills of clearing a recently excavated zigzag of snow-covered trench lines.

From

He tore down Altadena Drive but before he could hang a left on New York Drive and make it up the narrow zigzag of Kinneloa Mesa Road, he hit a cloud of ashy smoke.

From

RAM is the latest dot connected on a long, zigzag line that courses up and down the state, from border north to border south.

From

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

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More About Zigzag

What doeszigzag mean?

A zigzag is a line of alternating, sharp up-and-down turns that form peaks and valleys kind of resembling the letter Z.

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 doeszigzag 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 𳦳پDz.”

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?

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

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

How iszigzag 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.

Try usingzigzag!

Which of the following words best describes a zigzag?

A. even
B. straight
C. jagged
D. smooth

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