: backward and forward
also
: between two places or persons
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
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
Zak Keefer, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
How much back and forth was there?
—Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for back-and-forth
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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
Sunday night’s season opener in Buffalo was the best of all, with two of the league’s top quarterbacks dueling back and forth in what felt like a playoff preview.
—Zak Keefer, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
How much back and forth was there?
—Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for back-and-forth
Cite this Entry
“Back-and-forth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/back-and-forth. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.
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