up-and-down

1 of 2

adjective

ˌəp-ən(d)-ˈdau̇n 

ˌəp-ᵊm-

1

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

2

: perpendicular

up and down

2 of 2

adverb

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

Examples of up-and-down in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

In an up-and-down outing, Peterson alternated between efficient innings and long ones until he was removed in the sixth with the Mets down 3-2. —Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 19 Apr. 2025

While season 2, which debuted on April 15, promises a lot of tension between all members of the cast, fans are most eager to see the drama unfold between Vanderpump alums Brittany Cartwright and Jax Taylor, who have had a historically up-and-down relationship. —Rebecca Aizin, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025

Adverb

On the courts of the Roundball Classic, Vaccaro forged connections with all kinds of coaches and athletes up and down the East Coast. —William Goodman, Men's Health, 8 Apr. 2023

Councilmember Marcus Bush said that repealing the cruising ban was not just about being free to take a person’s ride up and down a city street. —Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1755, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for up-and-down

• chinatown
• tumbledown
• adown
• blowdown
• breakdown
• countdown
• crackdown
• crosstown
• downtown
• drawdown
• dropdown
• facedown

Kids Definition

up-and-down

adjective

1

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

2

: perpendicular entry 1 sense 1