back-and-forth

1 of 2

noun

ˈbak-ən(d)-ˈfȯrth 

: discussion sense 1, give-and-take

also : exchange sense 1

back and forth

2 of 2

adverb

: backward and forward

also : between two places or persons

Synonyms of back-and-forth

Noun

• exchange

Examples of back-and-forth in a Sentence

Noun

after the usual back-and-forth of official gifts, the two leaders entered into a serious discussion

the others listened with relish to the back-and-forth between the two noted professors

Adverb

The chair rocked back and forth.

The children were shuttled back and forth between school and home.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Hackers often break into systems by figuring out ways to exploit flaws in software, leading to an endless back-and-forth where attackers will look for new opportunities and defenders try to update their code to block them. —Kevin Collier, NBC news, 11 Apr. 2026

But his back-and-forth battle with Jokić on March 9, when the pair were at their best, might have been the most memorable. —Josh Robbins, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026

Adverb

Since homeowners aren’t allowed to argue back and forth during live meetings, the same rule should apply to meeting chats. —Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026

In the office a week later, Jones continued pacing back and forth in the warehouse, pretending to be in a war movie while Buckley was in the hallway, calling the police. —Josh Owens, HollywoodReporter, 14 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1941, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

1613, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for back-and-forth

• fourth
• henceforth
• thenceforth