zag
Zag (noun) means a sharp turn in the opposite direction, especially as the second half of "zigzag.". Example: “The trail was a series of zigs and zags down the mountainside.”
How to use zag
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA sudden turn — usually paired with "zig" to describe a path or plan that keeps changing direction.
Word forms
zagged past tense, zags plural, zags singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The trail was a series of zigs and _____ down the mountainside.
Etymology
A back-formation from "zigzag" — people split the word in two and started using "zag" on its own.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “zag” mean?
The word “zag” means a sharp turn in the opposite direction, especially as the second half of "zigzag.". In plain terms, a sudden turn — usually paired with "zig" to describe a path or plan that keeps changing direction.
How do you pronounce “zag”?
“Zag” is pronounced zag (/zæɡ/ in IPA).
How do you use “zag” in a sentence?
Here is “zag” used in a sentence: “The trail was a series of zigs and zags down the mountainside.”
What part of speech is “zag”?
Depending on how it is used, “zag” can be a noun and a verb.
How many meanings does “zag” have?
“Zag” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a sharp turn in the opposite direction, especially as the second half of "zigzag.".
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