zag
Americanverb (used without object)
Usage
What does zag mean? Zag is an informal verb that means to move in one of the directions in a zigzag pattern. A zigzag is a line of alternating, sharp up-and-down turns that form peaks and valleys kind of resembling the letter Z. Zigzag can also be used as a verb meaning to move back and forth while traveling forward in a way that resembles this pattern. The word zig can be used to mean the same thing as zag. However, the two terms are typically used together, in which case they mean to move in opposite directions. This is usually used in a somewhat humorous way. Zig and zag are most commonly used in the context of physical movement, but they are sometimes used in situations in which people keep doing different things, such as when changing their minds back and forth. Example: I threw the ball where I said I was going to throw it, but you zigged when you should have zagged!
Etymology
Origin of zag
First recorded in 1785–95; extracted from zigzag
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
This is the job bonds are supposed to do: zig when equities zag.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 15, 2026
There was a simple reason why Lloyd decided to zag where everyone else in college hoops was zigging.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 27, 2026
Located in Silver Lake, Spesh strives to zag while everyone is zigging, said Jake Kroeger, one of the producers behind the alternative comedy troupe.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 15, 2025
“Flexibility is key. Zig when others zag: If you go to the most popular places at the most popular times, it's going to be crowded and expensive,” Ted Rossman, senior industry analyst, Bankrate.com.
From Salon ● May 28, 2025
Dense forest and rocky outcrops forced the robot to zig and zag and backtrack, but after an hour of steady hiking, she arrived at the craggy mountain peak.
From "The Wild Robot" by Peter Brown
Energy and resource stocks have zigged while the market has zagged.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 9, 2026
In that moment, Mamdani zagged the way he often does, turning serious and channeling righteous anger.
From Slate ● Apr. 5, 2025
Lines to the team merchandise store zigged and zagged around the concourse.
From Washington Times ● Sep. 10, 2023
For the remaining 16-plus miles, we zigged and zagged at no discernible angle until we reached the ocean.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 5, 2023
We ran until we couldn’t hear the whistles anymore, until we’d zigged and zagged our way to what seemed like an untraceable spot.
From "The Marrow Thieves" by Cherie Dimaline
Two of my very favorite restaurants in New Mexico reside along this zagging sweep, both quirky and atmospheric and also grounding in their sense of place.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 12, 2026
Rivian is zigging while other car companies are zagging.
From Barron's ● Apr. 30, 2026
The energy sector’s monthly returns had only a 74% correlation with the rest of the market, meaning that sometimes it zigged when everything else was zagging — an extraordinarily useful attribute in the real world.
From MarketWatch ● Feb. 20, 2026
Jones is known for zigging when others are zagging.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 29, 2025
Isaac’s character took off running toward the fire, zigging and zagging down a narrow alleyway.
From "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
