51Թ

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View synonyms for

zigzag

[zig-zag]

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.



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

/ ˈɪɡˌæɡ /

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

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

adverb

  1. in a zigzag manner

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

verb

  1. to proceed or cause to proceed in a zigzag

  2. (tr) to form into a zigzag

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other 51Թ Forms

  • zigzaggedness noun
  • ˈˌ noun
  • ˈˌԱ noun
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of zigzag1

1705–15; < French; replacing earlier ziczac < French < German zickzack, gradational compound based on Zacke tack 1
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of zigzag1

C18: from French, from German zickzack, from Zacke point, jagged projection; see tack 1
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

It was all very impressive, but I kept thinking Philly — who travels nose to the ground, zigzagging through the world — would have been kicked out of class.

From

After zigzagging hundreds of miles across Europe, the contents of the consignment had been verified five days earlier by customs officers at Schipol Airport in the Netherlands, ready for its road trip to Belgium.

From

Police cars formed a zigzag in the driveway.

From

Art Deco has never really gone out of style: Even after a century, the zigzag meanders, suave ladies and elegant lines associated with it still define sophistication.

From

A zigzag of courtroom drama and media scoops ensued, thrillingly described by Hoffman.

From

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When To Use

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.

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Ziguinchorzigzagger