zigzag

American  

[zig-zag] / ˈzɪgˌzæg /

noun

1. a line, course, or progression characterized by sharp turns first to one side and then to the other.

2. one of a series of such turns, as in a line or path.

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adjective

1. proceeding or formed in a zigzag.

   zigzag stitches.

adverb

1. with frequent sharp turns from side to side; in a zigzag manner.

   The child ran zigzag along the beach.

verb (used with object)

zigzagged, zigzagging

1. to make (something) zigzag, as in form or course; move or maneuver (something) in a zigzag direction.

   They zigzagged their course to confuse the enemy.

verb (used without object)

zigzagged, zigzagging

1. to proceed in a zigzag line or course.

zigzag British  

/ ˈzɪɡˌzæɡ /

noun

1. a line or course characterized by sharp turns in alternating directions

2. one of the series of such turns

3. something having the form of a zigzag

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adjective

1. (usually prenominal) formed in or proceeding in a zigzag

2. (of sewing machine stitches) produced in a zigzag by a swing needle used for joining stretch fabrics, neatening raw edges, etc

adverb

1. in a zigzag manner

verb

1. to proceed or cause to proceed in a zigzag

2. (tr) to form into a zigzag

Usage

What does zigzag mean? A zigzag is a line of alternating, sharp up-and-down turns that form peaks and valleys kind of resembling the letter Z.[caption id="attachment_172305" align="alignnone" width="300"] Getty Images. A pattern of zigzags.[/caption]As a noun, zigzag can also refer to a route or path that resembles this kind of pattern, as in The dragonfly moved through the air in a zigzag. Zigzag can also be used as a verb meaning to move back and forth while traveling forward in a way that resembles this pattern, as in The dragonfly zigzagged through the air. As a verb, zigzag is most commonly used in the context of physical movement, but it can be used in situations in which people keep doing different things, such as changing their minds. A much more common term for this is flip-flop.It is also used as an adjective in phrases like zigzag pattern. In sewing, a zigzag stitch is a type of stitch that can be made by a sewing machine, such as to finish the edges of a garment. Some sewing machines use an attachment called a zigzagger to make such stitches.Example: Some animals, like the hare, move in a zigzag pattern when escaping predators, making it harder for them to be caught.

Other Word Forms

• zigzaggedness noun
• zigzagger noun

Etymology

Origin of zigzag

1705–15; < French; replacing earlier ziczac < French < German zickzack, gradational compound based on Zacke tack ¹

Example Sentences

The computer plays itself quietly, lighting up in measured, zigzagging rows until one or two players take up the controllers, which operate the game’s so-called paddles.

From The Wall Street Journal

Our hotel is located in one of Toledo’s narrow zigzagging alleys.

From Literature

Such stylistic zigzags, always present in the rapper’s work but even more prominent here, define “Don’t Be Dumb.”

From The Wall Street Journal

But Jewan concealed an anti-colonial streak and Sikh activists gathered to talk rebellion at a retreat he built on the Ravi River, which zigzags across what is now the restive border between Pakistan and India.

From The Wall Street Journal

The development and adoption of AI may not go straight from point A to point B. It may very well zigzag, just as the internet economy did.

From Barron's