zigzag

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noun zig·zag \ˈzig-ˌzag\

Definition of zigzag

: one of a series of short sharp turns, angles, or alterations in a course; also : something having the form or character of such a series a blouse with green zigzags endured the zigzags of policy — Richard Bernstein

zigzaggy

play \ˈzig-ˌza-gē\ adjective

See zigzag defined for English-language learners

See zigzag defined for kids

Examples of zigzag in a Sentence

The kids were running in circles and zigzags around the yard.
He's wearing a shirt with red zigzags on it.

Origin and Etymology of zigzag

French

First Known Use: 1712

zigzag

adverb zig·zag

Definition of zigzag

: in or by a zigzag path or course

Circa 1730

First Known Use of zigzag

circa 1730

zigzag

adjective zig·zag

Definition of zigzag

: having short sharp turns or angles a zigzag trail

1750

First Known Use of zigzag

1750

zigzag

verb zig·zag

Definition of zigzag

zigzagged

;

zigzagging

transitive verb
: to form into a zigzag or move along a zigzag course
intransitive verb
: to lie in, proceed along, or consist of a zigzag course

See zigzag defined for English-language learners

Examples of zigzag in a Sentence

We saw a motorcycle zigzagging on the highway.
The player with the ball zigzagged back and forth down the field.
A dirt road zigzags up the steep hill to our cabin.

1777

First Known Use of zigzag

1777

ZIGZAG Defined for English Language Learners

zigzag

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noun zig·zag \ˈzig-ˌzag\

Definition of zigzag for English Language Learners

: a line that has a series of short, sharp turns or angles

zigzag

verb zig·zag

Definition of zigzag for English Language Learners

: to move along a path that has a series of short, sharp turns or angles

ZIGZAG Defined for Kids

zigzag

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noun zig·zag \ˈzig-ˌzag\

Definition of zigzag for Students

1 : one of a series of short sharp turns or angles in a line or course
2 : a line, path, or pattern with a series of short sharp angles

zigzag

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adverb zig·zag

Definition of zigzag for Students

: in or by a line or course that has short sharp turns or angles He ran zigzag across the field.

zigzag

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adjective zig·zag

Definition of zigzag for Students

: having short sharp turns or angles

zigzag

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verb zig·zag

Definition of zigzag for Students

zigzagged

;

zigzagging

: to form into or move along a line or course that has short sharp turns or angles Both kids took off, zigzagging around trees and bushes. — Blue Balliett, Chasing Vermeer