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

Is this back-and-forth with Ohtani, who also homered Monday, getting fun? — Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026

But Khanna’s post ignited a seven-part back-and-forth between Cuban and Khanna, turning into a debate over whether California’s billionaire tax will drive entrepreneurs out of the state. — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 17 Aug. 2026

Adverb

The buoyant 808s ping-pong back and forth, sounding like an aquatic marching band ushering in a deep-sea championship team. — Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 19 Aug. 2026

Martinez said Camera had been biking back and forth to his job as a mechanic for more than a decade. — Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 19 Aug. 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