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
John Meyer, Denver Post, 1 Aug. 2025
The trail becomes more rugged and exposed, with sections of rocky switchbacks that will challenge your legs but offer sweeping views as a reward.
—AFAR Media, 7 July 2025
Eva Frederick, Travel + Leisure, 14 June 2025
Start at the peak’s eponymous trailhead and switchback straight up to the iconic summit.
—Corey Buhay, Outside Online, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for switchback
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Noun
The trail crisscrosses those areas via switchbacks.
—John Meyer, Denver Post, 1 Aug. 2025
The trail becomes more rugged and exposed, with sections of rocky switchbacks that will challenge your legs but offer sweeping views as a reward.
—AFAR Media, 7 July 2025
Verb
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
Start at the peak’s eponymous trailhead and switchback straight up to the iconic summit.
—Corey Buhay, Outside Online, 1 Apr. 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 26 Aug. 2025.
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