up-and-down

1 of 2

adjective

ˌəp-ən(d)-ˈdau̇n 

ˌəp-ᵊm-

1

: marked by alternate upward and downward movement, action, or surface

2

: perpendicular

up and down

2 of 2

adverb

1

: to and fro

paced up and down

2

: so as to move upward and then downward repeatedly

jumping up and down

3

archaic : here and there especially throughout an area

4

: with regard to every particular : thoroughly

knew the territory up and down

up and down preposition

Examples of up-and-down in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The Charlotte native, who is listed as 5-foot-10 and 209 pounds, has had an up-and-down draft journey over the past few months, but the buzz is starting to build based on his film and pre-draft workouts. —Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 18 Apr. 2024

Brownlee spent three up-and-down years at Florida State before joining the Cardinals. —Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1755, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

up-and-down

adjective

1

: marked by alternate upward and downward movement, action, or surface

2

: perpendicular entry 1 sense 1