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

The back-and-forth will result in at least a short government shutdown; funding for large swaths of the government expires on Saturday and the House likely won’t approve it until Monday at the earliest. —Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 31 Jan. 2026

The constant back-and-forth, the waiting, the fear that Carlos will be forced to move to Mexico, was taking its toll — not just on Angela, but on their son, Alessandro. —Miami Herald, 31 Jan. 2026

Adverb

After months of back and forth between educators and the San Francisco school district, Georgie Gibbs is ready to strike. —Kara St. Cyr, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026

The two pairs played a fantastic match, back and forth with swings of momentum and close games throughout. —Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 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