back-and-forth

noun

Definition of back-and-forth

(Entry 1 of 2)

: discussion sense 1, give-and-take also : exchange sense 1

back and forth

adverb

Definition of back and forth (Entry 2 of 2)

: backward and forward also : between two places or persons

Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about back-and-forth

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Examples of back-and-forth in a Sentence

Adverb

The chair rocked back and forth. The children were shuttled back and forth between school and home.

Recent Examples on the Web: Adverb

Cisneros was convicted of helping Garcia, the operative, travel back and forth from the U.S. to Mexico. — Los Angeles Times, "Former L.A. County Sheriff Lee Baca implicated in fraud scheme, court documents allege," 28 Aug. 2019 But growing private enterprise may be the most powerful driver of change, with videos brought in en masse by traders who cross back and forth from China. — Washington Post, "How K-pop is luring young North Koreans to cross the line," 23 Aug. 2019 The choral music flips back and forth from the bamboo grove to the center of the atrium and to speakers installed on the baobab tree, creating sonic experiences of intimacy, grandeur and ravishing beauty. — Steven Litt, cleveland.com, "Emeka Ogboh installation fills CMA atrium with sound of Nigeria and timely message of diversity," 11 Aug. 2019 Carbon is the culprit The oceans have always both absorbed and spit out carbon dioxide, shuttling the carbon back and forth from atmosphere to water. — Alejandra Borunda, National Geographic, "Ocean acidification, explained," 7 Aug. 2019 The state’s investigative summary details trips back and forth from parlors to airports, plane tickets from New York, suitcases and shipments of women’s clothing, and Costco grocery receipts. — USA Today, "Sex trafficking is behind the lucrative illicit massage business. Why police can't stop it.," 30 July 2019 That means Adrian Houser, who has shuttled back and forth from the bullpen to rotation, probably will start Tuesday. — Tom Haudricourt, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "For second straight season, Brewers acquire right-hander Jordan Lyles, this time to start," 29 July 2019 To pursue her dream, Stone and her mom, Michelle, moved to Carlsbad in April and plan to stay through tournament season in October, while her dad commutes back and forth from Pennsylvania. — Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Women’s Super Girl Surf Pro returns to Oceanside with first adaptive contest," 27 July 2019 For years the clanger has dangled in the middle, banging against the bell’s iron walls for two states to hear, back and forth from Indiana to Ohio to Indiana to Ohio … WHERE’S GREGG? — Gregg Doyel, Indianapolis Star, "Doyel: One high school gym, two states, and the midcourt stripe has a secret," 3 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'back-and-forth.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.