seesaw
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1see·saw

noun \ˈsē-ˌs\

Definition of SEESAW

1
: an alternating up-and-down or backward-and-forward motion or movement; also : a contest or struggle in which now one side now the other has the lead
2
a : a pastime in which two children or groups of children ride on opposite ends of a plank balanced in the middle so that one end goes up as the other goes down
b : the plank or apparatus so used
seesaw adjective

Examples of SEESAW

  1. Their relationship was an emotional seesaw.

Origin of SEESAW

probably from reduplication of 3saw
First Known Use: 1704

2seesaw

verb

Definition of SEESAW

intransitive verb
1
a : to move backward and forward or up and down
b : to play at seesaw
2
: alternate <seesaw between two activities>
transitive verb
: to cause to move in seesaw fashion

Examples of SEESAW

  1. The lead seesawed between the two runners right up to the finish line.
  2. <as their boat seesawed in the rough water, the rescue team tried to get the passengers off the sinking ship>

First Known Use of SEESAW

1712

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