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

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

Aryna Sabalenka did in their semifinal, and Anisimova will have to be prepared to move back-and-forth across the baseline, a lot. —The Athletic Tennis Staff, New York Times, 11 July 2025

But as the noise settles and the legal back-and-forth begins, the real story may lie elsewhere. —Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 11 July 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

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