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

Here are some photos from Sunday afternoon’s back-and-forth showdown in Week 8. — Jeff Rosen, Kansas City Star, 2 Nov. 2026

All day on Sunday, there seemed to be a back-and-forth of praise from the right, and puzzled outrage on the left. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 2 Nov. 2026

Adverb

Monks was born in Florida, raised in North Carolina and has moved back and forth between the states. — Charlotte Observer, 4 Nov. 2026

Prognosticators have swung back and forth on who has the edge, but Turek has drawn support from Lawrence Kasdan, Streisand, Field and Dayna Bochco. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 2 Nov. 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