: 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
Michael Silver, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
The 40-40 tie featured back-and-forth action, including a tying field goal on the last play of overtime to forge the stalemate.
—Jim Barnes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Sep. 2025
Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025
Both in their 60s with knee issues, the Roeland Park couple is now able to do trail rides on both the Kansas and Missouri side of the state line, commute back and forth to work, and bike to shops around town with the help of their new devices, commonly known as e-bikes.
—Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for back-and-forth
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 end of this two-drinks-past-the-limit, back-and-forth game was flat-out surreal.
—Michael Silver, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
The 40-40 tie featured back-and-forth action, including a tying field goal on the last play of overtime to forge the stalemate.
—Jim Barnes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Sep. 2025
Adverb
Same reaction, shaking, pacing back and forth.
—Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025
Both in their 60s with knee issues, the Roeland Park couple is now able to do trail rides on both the Kansas and Missouri side of the state line, commute back and forth to work, and bike to shops around town with the help of their new devices, commonly known as e-bikes.
—Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 25 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 1 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share