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
“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
The astonishing saga of a tied Silicon Valley congressional race took another zag this week, with multiple citizens submitting official requests for recounts.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 13, 2024
In one hall, they had to zig and zag to opposite sides and sidle along the lockers to avoid the security cameras.
From "The Smartest Kid in the Universe" by Chris Grabenstein
Energy and resource stocks have zigged while the market has zagged.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 9, 2026
We just know that the court zigged or zagged.
From Slate ● Jun. 2, 2025
But trying to think along with the team’s decision-makers, I’m guessing the Chargers will look first at hiring a head coach with an offensive background, given that teams frequently zig after they’ve zagged.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 19, 2023
Running back Antonio Gibson zigged and zagged his way through defenders on a screen pass for a 73-yard touchdown.
From Washington Times ● Sep. 26, 2021
This conversation zigged and zagged like the rickrack on Mattie’s dress.
From "Hattie Big Sky" by Kirby Larson
Warner Bros. has been zagging against collective wisdom and industry experience over the past four years by making expensive bets on fresh ideas.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 5, 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
In the plant-based protein space, Plonts is zigging where other brands are zagging.
From Salon ● Sep. 25, 2024
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.
