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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The mountain and ocean views are astonishing, but anyone unaccustomed to switchbacks and the fierceness of Italian drivers might welcome a stop for a little fresh air and sightseeing.
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The trail is fairly easy to moderate with switchbacks gaining about 1,200 feet of elevation.
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On paper, the Sorento SX appears to be set up for switchbacks.
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The drive through the snowy switchbacks into the valley was terrifying.
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The trail on the bluff's southeast side offers more gentle switchbacks plus near-constant views of the Mississippi River.
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Just across the state line, the road descends in a series of steep, 20-mph switchbacks toward its junction with Highway 259, where drivers can either exit toward Poteau, Okla., or continue the remaining 28 miles to the end of Talimena Drive.
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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.
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
switchbacked;
switchbacking;
switchbacks
: 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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Flanagan cannot quite make Ziggy’s magnetism or sinister influence plausible, but the novel, with its switchbacking recollections and cyclical dialogue, its penetrating scenes of birth and, eventually, death, is enigmatic and mesmerizing.
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From the main entrance near Broad and Noble Streets, the trail switchbacks past urban glades, clusters of benches, reimagined steel catenaries, and a public art sculpture that resembles (much too literally) a telephone pole.
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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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