zig

noun \ ˈzig \

Updated on: 21 May 2018

Definition of zig

1 a : one of the sharp turns, angles, or alterations in a zigzag course

b : one of the short straight lines or sections of a zigzag course at an angle to a zag

2 : a sharp alteration or change of direction (as in a process or policy)

the quick zigs and zags of his international maneuverings
—The New York Times

Recent Examples of zig from the Web

Stairs to the upper levels and roof zig-zag through the air like elements of an M.C. Escher drawing.

— molly glentzer, Houston Chronicle, "Glassell School of Art gives Houston a grand new public space," 14 May 2018
The Backstreet Boys recently made their concert really, really, really wanna zig-a-zig-ah.

— karen mizoguchi, PEOPLE.com, "#SpiceBoys! Backstreet Boys Transform Into Their Favorite Spice Girls Alter Egos During Concert," 8 May 2018
The zig-zagging target hooked on a small cove on the Pine Creek Arm seemed to signal the start of a classic Lake Barrett morning.

— bryce miller, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Wildly-popular Lake Barrett adjusting its bass-catching expectations," 26 Apr. 2018
Isaac-Daniel Astrachan, a partner at Stephen B. Jacobs Group who designed the building, said the design of what was to be a glass tower was modified to add porcelain exterior panels that zig-zag down along the glass facade.

— josh barbanel, WSJ, "New York City High Rise Offers Dorm-Style Living for Adults," 18 Apr. 2018
The concert room has splashy neon colors on the walls, a vibrant zig-zag floor pattern and alien-like squiggles on the walls.

— anne nickoloff, cleveland.com, "'Beetlejuice' turns 30: Celebrate with Mahall's 20 Lanes Beetlebrunch event," 30 Mar. 2018
The bid recommended Tuesday does not include the zig-zag white lights, which are being done on a separate contract.

— steve lord, Aurora Beacon-News, "Aurora panel recommends renovations for Water Street Mall," 28 Mar. 2018
There’s also a lot more zig-zagging between New York, Nashville and Los Angeles courtesy of the Idol editing team, but now with added New Orleans for some extra Southern flavor.

— robbie daw, Billboard, "'American Idol' Recap: The Coccia Sisters Are Doin' It For Themselves (Critic's Take)," 20 Mar. 2018
The weight of the lines vary, which gives off a sort of zig-zag pattern.

— jordan culver, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Orlando Pride players show off new white, purple secondary kit," 19 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'zig.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of zig

zigzag

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1840

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

zig

verb

Definition of zig

zigged; zigging

intransitive verb

: to execute a zig —usually contrasted with zag

zigs when others zag

Examples of zig in a Sentence

the fox zigged to the right, and the hounds followed

Recent Examples of zig from the Web

The Backstreet Boys recently made their concert really, really, really wanna zig-a-zig-ah.

— karen mizoguchi, PEOPLE.com, "#SpiceBoys! Backstreet Boys Transform Into Their Favorite Spice Girls Alter Egos During Concert," 8 May 2018
There also would be a planter bed installed at Downer Place to match a rain garden recently built at the Galena Boulevard end, and zig-zag white lights installed the length of the mall, about 20 feet off the ground.

— steve lord, Aurora Beacon-News, "Aurora panel recommends renovations for Water Street Mall," 28 Mar. 2018
The singer/actress threw it way back this Thursday with a photo of herself from 1999 going for a particularly interesting look featuring the '90s trifecta: zig-zag part, peacock tendrils, and hair crystals.

— melissa minton, Allure, "Mandy Moore Had the Most '90s Hairstyle Ever," 3 May 2018
This wouldn’t be the first time Tesla’s mature competitors zig while the Silicon Valley upstart zags.

— adam lashinsky, Fortune, "Testy Tesla, Spotify Tumble, Soybean Switch: CEO Daily for May 3, 2018," 3 May 2018
There also would be a planter bed installed at Downer Place to match a rain garden recently built at the Galena Boulevard end, and zig-zag white lights installed the length of the mall, about 20 feet off the ground.

— steve lord, Aurora Beacon-News, "Aurora panel recommends renovations for Water Street Mall," 28 Mar. 2018
There also would be a planter bed installed at Downer Place to match a rain garden recently built at the Galena Boulevard end, and zig-zag white lights installed the length of the mall, about 20 feet off the ground.

— steve lord, Aurora Beacon-News, "Aurora panel recommends renovations for Water Street Mall," 28 Mar. 2018
Flavors zig and zag, taking unexpected detours — horse blanket? — but arrive at a joyful, rewarding destination.

— peter rowe, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Is your favorite San Diego IPA part of our contest's Final Four?," 29 Mar. 2018
There also would be a planter bed installed at Downer Place to match a rain garden recently built at the Galena Boulevard end, and zig-zag white lights installed the length of the mall, about 20 feet off the ground.

— steve lord, Aurora Beacon-News, "Aurora panel recommends renovations for Water Street Mall," 28 Mar. 2018

First Known Use of zig

1940

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

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zig

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zig

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zig

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