switchback

American  

[swich-bak] / ˈswɪtʃˌbæk /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of switchback

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

Example Sentences

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 • Dec. 16, 2024

“Out of an abundance of caution, the Lake Angeles Trail, Heather Park Trail, Switchback Trail and the entire Klahhane Ridge Trail are closed until further notice,” said Tom Kay, an Olympic National Park wildlife biologist.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 31, 2023

The Lake Angeles area and several trails, the Lake Angeles Trail, Heather Park Trail, Switchback Trail and the entire Klahhane Ridge Trail, were closed as officials searched for the animal.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 31, 2023

On his "Great American Triple Switchback" GoFundMe page – which helps him fund his journey – Barnes says his trip "is like a real reality show in real time."

From Fox News • Jan. 28, 2022

Switchback Railway, too, on the beach, and automatic machines about every five yards.

From Punch, or the London Charivari. Volume 93, September 10, 1887 by Various