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
The New York Times
zigged; zigging
: to execute a zig
—usually contrasted with zag
zigs when others zag
Examples of zig in a Sentence
Verb
the fox zigged to the right, and the hounds followed
Recent Examples on the Web
Bethy Squires, Vulture, 15 Jan. 2026
Senior Julia Kipperman wristed home the game-winner with a zig-zag, right-to-left and back to the right slot in the extra stanza and had a hand in all four goals for the Warriors by adding three assists to lead the way.
—Brian Fabry, Boston Herald, 11 Jan. 2026
John Hopewell, Variety, 19 Jan. 2026
There were lessons to be learned, and companies that were nimble had the ability to zig and zag as needed.
—Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 29 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for zig
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Noun
Josh Safdie really considered ending Marty Supreme with a real zig of a supernatural zag.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 15 Jan. 2026
Senior Julia Kipperman wristed home the game-winner with a zig-zag, right-to-left and back to the right slot in the extra stanza and had a hand in all four goals for the Warriors by adding three assists to lead the way.
—Brian Fabry, Boston Herald, 11 Jan. 2026
Verb
And some companies zig as others zag.
—John Hopewell, Variety, 19 Jan. 2026
There were lessons to be learned, and companies that were nimble had the ability to zig and zag as needed.
—Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 29 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for zig
Cite this Entry
“Zig.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zig. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
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