Definition of switchback
: a zigzag road, trail, or section of railroad tracks for climbing a steep hill
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Recent Examples of switchback from the Web
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Keep climbing up forested switchbacks, passing rapids and tiny cascades for another 0.75 miles, to the misty amphitheater of rock at the base of the 100-foot Upper Falls.
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Pressing on to the very south of Lazio, a switchback road leads to the Abbey of Montecassino.
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On a shortcut through a national forest, Mr. Gurney negotiated a 15-mile stretch of downhill switchbacks, set at the edge of sheer cliffs.
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Hikers follow a series of switchbacks uphill, passing Jewel Glacier to the east of Crow Pass Cabin, and eventually arrive at Crow Pass and Raven Glacier.
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Turn into a sharp set of switchbacks at speed and the effort will become heavier to match the job.
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At around 3,000 feet, the ride becomes a series of switchbacks, and the grade is fairly consistent.
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As revealed on a series of S-bends and switchbacks, the A7’s chassis turns in with newfound enthusiasm and carves corners like an Alpine skier.
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Among the completely true elements included in the film are the home’s weird switchback staircase and the very unspooky reason for it.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'switchback.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of switchback
1863
Definition of switchback
: to follow a zigzag course especially for ascent or descent
- a trail that switchbacks
Recent Examples of switchback from the Web
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Jerome is laid out vertically, with Arizona 89A switchbacking through it.
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Find two easily accessible ones at the Upper Picnic Area, or drive down to the canoe launch area for a challenging hike via switchbacks up Mt. Pisgah.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'switchback.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of switchback
1903
SWITCHBACK Defined for English Language Learners
Definition of switchback for English Language Learners
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: a road, trail, or section of railroad tracks that has many sharp turns for climbing a steep hill
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