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up-and-down

adjective \ ˌəp-ən(d)-ˈdau̇n , ˌəp-ᵊm- \

Definition of up-and-down

1 : marked by alternate upward and downward movement, action, or surface
2 : perpendicular

See up-and-down defined for kids

First Known Use of up-and-down

circa 1755

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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up and down

adverb

Definition of up and down

1 : to and fro
  • paced up and down
2 : so as to move upward and then downward repeatedly
  • jumping up and down
3 archaic : here and there especially throughout an area
4 : with regard to every particular : thoroughly
  • knew the territory up and down
—

up and down

preposition

First Known Use of up and down

12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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UP-AND-DOWN Defined for Kids

up-and-down

adjective \ ˌəp-ənd-ˈdau̇n \

Definition of up-and-down for Students

1 : switching between upward and downward movement or action
2 : 1perpendicular 1
  • an up-and-down post

Learn More about up-and-down

  1. See words that rhyme with up-and-down

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