zigzag

American  

[zig-zag] / ˈzɪgˌzæg /

noun

1. a line, course, or progression characterized by sharp turns first to one side and then to the other.

2. one of a series of such turns, as in a line or path.

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adjective

1. proceeding or formed in a zigzag.

   zigzag stitches.

adverb

1. with frequent sharp turns from side to side; in a zigzag manner.

   The child ran zigzag along the beach.

verb (used with object)

zigzagged, zigzagging

1. to make (something) zigzag, as in form or course; move or maneuver (something) in a zigzag direction.

   They zigzagged their course to confuse the enemy.

verb (used without object)

zigzagged, zigzagging

1. to proceed in a zigzag line or course.

zigzag British  

/ ˈzɪɡˌzæɡ /

noun

1. a line or course characterized by sharp turns in alternating directions

2. one of the series of such turns

3. something having the form of a zigzag

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adjective

1. (usually prenominal) formed in or proceeding in a zigzag

2. (of sewing machine stitches) produced in a zigzag by a swing needle used for joining stretch fabrics, neatening raw edges, etc

adverb

1. in a zigzag manner

verb

1. to proceed or cause to proceed in a zigzag

2. (tr) to form into a zigzag

Usage

What does zigzag mean? A zigzag is a line of alternating, sharp up-and-down turns that form peaks and valleys kind of resembling the letter Z.[caption id="attachment_172305" align="alignnone" width="300"] Getty Images. A pattern of zigzags.[/caption]As a noun, zigzag can also refer to a route or path that resembles this kind of pattern, as in The dragonfly moved through the air in a zigzag. Zigzag can also be used as a verb meaning to move back and forth while traveling forward in a way that resembles this pattern, as in The dragonfly zigzagged through the air. As a verb, zigzag is most commonly used in the context of physical movement, but it can be used in situations in which people keep doing different things, such as changing their minds. A much more common term for this is flip-flop.It is also used as an adjective in phrases like zigzag pattern. In sewing, a zigzag stitch is a type of stitch that can be made by a sewing machine, such as to finish the edges of a garment. Some sewing machines use an attachment called a zigzagger to make such stitches.Example: Some animals, like the hare, move in a zigzag pattern when escaping predators, making it harder for them to be caught.

Other Word Forms

• zigzaggedness noun
• zigzagger noun

Etymology

Origin of zigzag

1705–15; < French; replacing earlier ziczac < French < German zickzack, gradational compound based on Zacke tack ¹

Example Sentences

Lehmann said the whale was "zigzagging" in the water and could become stranded again.

From Barron's

They looked terrifyingly strong, with raised zigzag scars on their muscled arms.

From Literature

I went against it, zigzagging down Main Street, which was deserted.

From Literature

She picks up the pace, and we continue to weave round the streets of Amsterdam, ducking into the shadows, zigzagging across the city to avoid being stopped by the police or soldiers.

From Literature

The potato fields were covered with purple blossoms now, and stone walls zigzagged up and down between.

From Literature