zigzag
3 synonyms and 0 antonyms for zigzag, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A line or path that goes sharply from side to side in alternating directions.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use zigzag
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
The "drunk" sense is slang and dated; stick to the path/motion senses in everyday writing.
Etymology
Borrowed from French zigzag in the 18th century; possibly inspired by the shape of the letter Z, which appears twice in the word.
Full origin of zigzag →Frequently asked questions
What does “zigzag” mean?
The word “zigzag” means a line or path that goes sharply from side to side in alternating directions. In plain terms, a path or motion that alternates sharply left and right instead of going in a straight line.
How do you pronounce “zigzag”?
“Zigzag” is pronounced ZIHG-zag (/ˈzɪɡ.zæɡ/ in IPA).
How do you use “zigzag” in a sentence?
Here is “zigzag” used in a sentence: “The mountain trail was cut into a zigzag to make the climb easier.”
What part of speech is “zigzag”?
Depending on how it is used, “zigzag” can be a noun, a verb and an adjective.
Where does the word “zigzag” come from?
The word “zigzag” dates back to around 1700 and comes from French. Borrowed from French zigzag in the 18th century; possibly inspired by the shape of the letter Z, which appears twice in the word.
How many meanings does “zigzag” have?
“Zigzag” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a line or path that goes sharply from side to side in alternating directions.