Definition of switchback
(Entry 1 of 2)
: a zigzag road, trail, or section of railroad tracks for climbing a steep hill
switchback
verb
switchbacked; switchbacking; switchbacks
Definition of switchback (Entry 2 of 2)
: to follow a zigzag course especially for ascent or descent
a trail that switchbacks
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Test Your Vocabulary
Who Knew?
-
- What is a ruelle?

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
Share switchback
Time Traveler for switchback
The first known use of switchback was in 1863
See more words from the same year