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

The only time cutting switchbacks is allowed is when you have been given express permission by a Level 7 Wizard.

From Outside Online

Each time I saw more and more people as I huffed up the steep switchbacks to Ice Lake, one of two high-altitude lakes accessed by the trail.

From Outside Online

Most of the two-lane roads were established decades ago, when cars were smaller and slower, and drop from the rim of the gorge to the river in a series of sharp switchbacks.

From Outside Online

Don’t cut the switchbacks, and whenever possible, walk in the middle of the trail, even if it’s muddy, rather than on the edges.

From Outside Online

There are several dirt roads you can exercise your dog on within the park, or simply enjoy the views from the switchbacks of Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive and set up a picnic at the top with your pup.

From Outside Online

It looked something like a switchback railway, only that while the incline varied, all the undulations ran down hill.

From Project Gutenberg

The minutes were uncomfortably long, he felt as if he were on a switchback, or in the throes of approaching sea-sickness.

From Project Gutenberg

Here we abandon the switchback lane, and, climbing a wall, begin to make our way along the side of the beck.

From Project Gutenberg

Of all the mountain-climbing I have ever done the switchback up to Doubtful Lake is the worst.

From Project Gutenberg

It was necessary to move on up the switchback, that the next horse behind might scramble up.

From Project Gutenberg