switch·back
ˈswich-ˌbak 
: a zigzag road, trail, or section of railroad tracks for climbing a steep hill
switchback
adjective
switchbacked; switchbacking; switchbacks
: to follow a zigzag course especially for ascent or descent
a trail that switchbacks
Examples of switchback in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 12 Nov. 2025
The climb is infamous for its heart-pumping switchbacks and vertiginous jaunt along a narrow sliver of crag.
—Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 9 Nov. 2025
Howard Walker, Robb Report, 3 Nov. 2025
The first two miles are the hardest, composed of rocky stairs and switchbacks winding steeply up the side of the mountain.
—Eva Frederick, Travel + Leisure, 14 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for switchback
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Noun
The lawyers said others pursuing the Grand Teton Fastest Known Time also cut out switchbacks using the Old Climber’s Trail.
—Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 12 Nov. 2025
The climb is infamous for its heart-pumping switchbacks and vertiginous jaunt along a narrow sliver of crag.
—Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 9 Nov. 2025
Verb
Most roads were nothing more than unpaved, gravel tracks with steep inclines, scary drop-offs, and switchback curves.
—Howard Walker, Robb Report, 3 Nov. 2025
The first two miles are the hardest, composed of rocky stairs and switchbacks winding steeply up the side of the mountain.
—Eva Frederick, Travel + Leisure, 14 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for switchback
Cite this Entry
“Switchback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/switchback. Accessed 28 Nov. 2025.
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