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
Selome Hailu, Variety, 3 Sep. 2025
Learn about Outside Online's affiliate link policy Labor Day is almost here, but our gear editors and testers have been making the most of the dwindling summer days—pedaling dusty trails, grinding up high-alpine switchbacks, and sneaking in lakeside hangs whenever possible.
—The Editors, Outside, 28 Aug. 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
Like all American industries, Hollywood has seen a switchback on the pushes for diversity and inclusion that began in 2020.
—Selome Hailu, Variety, 3 Sep. 2025
Learn about Outside Online's affiliate link policy Labor Day is almost here, but our gear editors and testers have been making the most of the dwindling summer days—pedaling dusty trails, grinding up high-alpine switchbacks, and sneaking in lakeside hangs whenever possible.
—The Editors, Outside, 28 Aug. 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 16 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share