zig

1 of 2

noun

ˈzig 

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

zig

2 of 2

verb

zigged; zigging

intransitive verb

: to execute a zig

—usually contrasted with zag

zigs when others zag

Synonyms of zig

Verb

• veer
• zag
• curve
• cut

Examples of zig in a Sentence

Verb

the fox zigged to the right, and the hounds followed

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

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

Tillis set up the attempt by zig-zagging run for 25 yards to the 9. —Dan Albano, Oc Register, 6 Dec. 2025

Verb

Authoring this noisy, jazzy track all by his lonesome, Weir vocally zig-zagged his way across a cluttered arrangement flush with oddball time changes. —A.d. Amorosi, Variety, 11 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

Word History

Etymology

Noun

zigzag

First Known Use

Noun

1840, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1940, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for zig

• big
• brig
• brigg
• dig
• fig
• gig
• jig
• mig
• pig
• prig
• rig
• sprig