zag

American  

[zag] / zæg /

verb (used without object)

zagged, zagging

1. to move in one of the two directions followed in a zigzag course.

   First we zigged, then we zagged, trying to avoid the bull.

---

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

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

Tilt Reiner’s filmography one way and it appears to be all about opposition, a restless yen to zag when others assumed he’d zig.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 15, 2025

With most of the financial world emphatically zigging one way, the artificial-intelligence way, India’s zag could prove welcome in 2026.

From Barron's • Dec. 11, 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

When it continued to zag she realized the pilot was following a meandering river where game wintered.

From "Julie of the Wolves" by Jean Craighead George