zigzag

1 of 4

noun

zig·​zag ˈzig-ˌzag How to pronounce zigzag (audio)
: 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 adjective

zigzag

2 of 4

adverb

: in or by a zigzag path or course

zigzag

3 of 4

adjective

: having short sharp turns or angles
a zigzag trail

zigzag

4 of 4

verb

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

Examples of zigzag in a Sentence

Noun The kids were running in circles and zigzags around the yard. He's wearing a shirt with red zigzags on it. Verb 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.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The rest of the collection taps into fanciful motifs, like the triangle edges in Royale that resemble a medieval flag or the zigzags and x-shapes found throughout. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 4 Oct. 2024 The tower will showcase Missoni’s signature geometric style, integrating the brand’s iconic zigzag patterns and colors into spaces ranging from the expansive lobbies and rooftop terraces to the amenities and interiors of the residences. Luisa Zargani, WWD, 3 Oct. 2024 Their shade avoidance responses pushed them away from each other, but that wasn’t enough to produce the zigzag – the model plants stayed stuck in a line. Chantal Nguyen, The Conversation, 13 Sep. 2024 One charming highlight is a geometric zigzag detail painted around the entrance to the colorful kitchen, framing the view. Katharina Schwarze, Architectural Digest, 9 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for zigzag 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'zigzag.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French

First Known Use

Noun

1712, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

circa 1730, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1750, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1777, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of zigzag was in 1712

Dictionary Entries Near zigzag

Cite this Entry

“Zigzag.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zigzag. Accessed 13 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

zigzag

1 of 4 noun
zig·​zag ˈzig-ˌzag How to pronounce zigzag (audio)
: one of a series of short sharp turns, angles, or changes in a course
also : something having the form or appearance of such a series

zigzag

2 of 4 adverb
: in or by a zigzag path or course

zigzag

3 of 4 adjective
: having short sharp turns or angles

zigzag

4 of 4 verb
zigzagged; zigzagging
: to form, move along, or consist of a zigzag course

More from Merriam-Webster on zigzag

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