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

Amid all the back-and-forth, Illinois broke with the federal government, adopting a vaccine schedule developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics that differed from the federal recommendations. —Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2026

Unlike a traditional showroom, the process requires clients to come to her, to sit with her, to engage in that back-and-forth—making the space itself not just a backdrop, but an essential part of the experience. —Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 7 May 2026

Adverb

For years afterwards, the trio would fly back and forth between parents, unaccompanied. —Eve Chen, USA Today, 8 May 2026

However, the virus is endemic in some areas of the country and Argentine authorities have found the couple, after arriving in Argentina on November 27, crossed back and forth over the border with neighboring Chile on several occasions before joining the cruise. —Kara Fox, CNN Money, 7 May 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