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

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

For example, their decision-making pace improves, as clear positions prevent endless back-and-forth. —Inga Bielińska, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025

In a back-and-forth game, the Steelers trailed 26-17 at the beginning of the fourth quarter. —Mike Defabo, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025

Adverb

My smuggling vessel thrashed violently back and forth, swamped to the point of sinking, with the bilge pumps set to overdrive. —Martin Suarez, Rolling Stone, 13 Sep. 2025

By using a system-wide translucent overlay similar to Archy and THE, the program was intended to minimize the need for switching back and forth between multiple applications to complete a task. —Cameron Kaiser, ArsTechnica, 12 Sep. 2025

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