zig

American  

[zig] / zɪg /

verb (used without object)

zigged, zigging

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

   He zigged when he should have zagged.

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Usage

What does zig mean? Zig 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 zag can be used to mean the same thing as zig. 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 zig

First recorded in 1785–95; extracted from zigzag

Example Sentences

"This is not about somebody coming out, it's about two people figuring out they are allowed to be in love. And that zig where the other books zag really stuck with me."

From BBC • Jan. 7, 2026

When used to supplement a U.S.-centric portfolio, these ETFs could zig when the S&P 500 zags.

From Barron's • Oct. 22, 2025

Even so, there was no denying that “Oppenheimer” and “Barbie” had struck commercial and cultural gold by zagging hard where most studios had long been content to zig.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 22, 2023

The show’s willingness to zig where ’70s stories usually zag is reflected in its aesthetic.

From New York Times • Jul. 20, 2023

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