to-and-fro

1 of 3

noun

ˌtü-ən-ˈfrō 

: activity involving alternating movement in opposite directions

the busy to-and-fro of the holiday shoppers

to-and-fro

2 of 3

adjective

: forward and backward

to and fro

3 of 3

adverb

: from one place to another

Examples of to-and-fro in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

As the diplomatic to-and-fro continues, Russia launched one of its largest barrages of drones and missiles in months across Ukraine, killing at least seven people over the weekend, according to a CNN tally of local authority figures. — Kara Fox, CNN Money, 8 Dec. 2025

That to-and-fro could be seen in the Taliban's response to the deadly earthquake, which was most devastating in the isolated mountains of the eastern Kunar province in late August. — NPR, 14 Oct. 2025

Adjective

There’s not much to quibble with in the market’s to-and-fro oscillations among sectors and themes so far. — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 10 Jan. 2026

Adverb

He's been to the beach and is confused by the state parks not allowing the swinging to and fro of body parts normally covered up in public. — Sean Joseph Outkick, FOXNews.com, 19 July 2026

This could likely be the last World Cup for the 39-year-old superstar Lionel Messi, who is contributing as effectively as ever, with his characteristic walk up and down the field as teammates and defenders around him jog to and fro. — Becky Sullivan, NPR, 14 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1553, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1749, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

to-and-fro

adjective

ˌtü-ən-ˈfrō

: forward and backward