switchback

[swich-bak]

noun

1. a highway, as in a mountainous area, having many hairpin curves.

2. Railroads.,  a zigzag track arrangement for climbing a steep grade.

3. British.,  roller coaster.

verb (used without object)

1. (of a road, railroad track, etc.) to progress through a series of hairpin curves; zigzag.

   The road switchbacks up the mountain.

switchback

/ ˈswɪtʃˌbæk /

noun

1. a mountain road, railway, or track which rises and falls sharply many times or a sharp rise and fall on such a road, railway, or track

2. another word (esp Brit) for big dipper

Word History and Origins

Origin of switchback¹

An Americanism dating back to 1860–65; switch + back ²

Example Sentences

This Russia switchback must be causing serious ructions among the more Putin-friendly or Putin-curious factions of the MAGA-verse, which would be fascinating to learn more about.

From Salon

From there, we hiked up a short but steep switchback that ended on a dirt plateau.

From Los Angeles Times

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission announced Dec. 12 a recall pertaining to 2.6 million Stanley Switchback and Trigger Action Travel Mugs because of potential burn hazards.

From Salon

I waited with several other hikers before progressing, only to be stopped at the next switchback by an angry rattlesnake, mid-trail, tail in the air.

From Los Angeles Times

I considered all of this as I rounded the first switchback recently for the umpteenth time.

From Los Angeles Times