zig

1 of 2

noun

ˈzig 

1

a

: one of the sharp turns, angles, or alterations in a zigzag course

b

: one of the short straight lines or sections of a zigzag course at an angle to a zag

2

: a sharp alteration or change of direction (as in a process or policy)

the quick zigs and zags of his international maneuverings

—The New York Times

zig

2 of 2

verb

zigged; zigging

intransitive verb

: to execute a zig

—usually contrasted with zag

zigs when others zag

Synonyms

Verb

• veer
• zag
• curve
• cut

Examples of zig in a Sentence

Verb

the fox zigged to the right, and the hounds followed

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The zig-zagging blue squares all must equal one another. —Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025

Inaugural ball: Melania Trump donned dress with zig zag detail During the nightly inaugural festivities celebrating her husband, Trump wore a white dress with a black zig zag detail designed by her personal stylist Herve Pierre. —Jay Stahl, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025

Verb

No longer do white picket fences divide neighbors and security gates enclose neighborhoods, but walking trails zig zag throughout the homes with lush landscaping to give access to impromptu social intersections alongside nature. —Jennifer Castenson, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025

But the fraudsters zig-zagged again. —Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 23 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

zigzag

First Known Use

Noun

1840, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1940, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for zig

• big
• brig
• brigg
• dig
• fig
• gig
• jig
• mig
• pig
• prig
• rig
• sprig