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:
If nothing else, zigging when others zag is often wise.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 10, 2026
This is the job bonds are supposed to do: zig when equities zag.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 15, 2026
As the sun sets across the city, on every rooftop we can see families and friends, laughing, shouting, watching as kites zig zag, circle, and soar through the city's skies.
From BBC ● Feb. 7, 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
Up ahead, I saw Charlie zig and zag into places Jenny couldn’t keep up with.
From "Please Ignore Vera Dietz" by A.S. King
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
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
Lines to the team merchandise store zigged and zagged around the concourse.
From Washington Times ● Sep. 10, 2023
The flying machine zigged and zagged, dodging eagles and vultures.
From "The Wild Robot Protects" by Peter Brown
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
Up the backstretch, Yummy was zigging and zagging his way through barns with his big paw out, booming his pitch—“Name’s Yummy, not Dummy”—and coming out empty-handed.
From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand
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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.
