back-and-forth

1 of 2

noun

back and forth

2 of 2

adverb

: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The 2024 Summer Olympic gold medalist continued to jaw back-and-forth with Bednarek, who hovered nearby to continue their argument. Sean Neumann, People.com, 4 Aug. 2025 Shocking Roadblock in Cowboys Star's Contract Talks Chicago Bears Mentioned as Possible Trade Partner For Dallas Cowboys Star Despite Parsons' ongoing back-and-forth with the front office and ownership has gotten very public, Schottenheimer doesn't feel like it's been a distraction. Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Aug. 2025
Adverb
The two then bantered with each other back and forth on the site. Jolene Almendarez, The Enquirer, 14 July 2025 The Rockets toggled back and forth between zone and man-to-man defense all evening, but being proficient in the former is becoming increasingly important under Udoka. Kelly Iko, New York Times, 12 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for back-and-forth

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1941, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

1613, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of back-and-forth was in 1613

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Back-and-forth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/back-and-forth. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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