noun
zigzag
ZIHG-zag
Zigzag (noun) means a line or path that goes sharply from side to side in alternating directions. Example: “The mountain trail was cut into a zigzag to make the climb easier.”
noun
1
A line or path that goes sharply from side to side in alternating directions.
"The mountain trail was cut into a zigzag to make the climb easier."
"Lightning split the sky in a jagged zigzag."
verb
1
To move by turning sharply from side to side.
"The cyclist zigzagged through the traffic."
"She zigzagged across the field trying to avoid the sprinklers."
adj
1
Drunk.
"By midnight he was completely zigzag and couldn't find his coat."
How to use zigzag
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA path or motion that alternates sharply left and right instead of going in a straight line.
When to use it
The "drunk" sense is slang and dated; stick to the path/motion senses in everyday writing.
Common pairings
zigzag pattern
zigzag across
zigzag line
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Word forms
- Plural
- zigzags
- Third person singular
- zigzags
- Past tense
- zigzagged
- Comparative
- more zigzag
- Superlative
- most zigzag
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The mountain trail was cut into a _____ to make the climb easier.
Etymology
Borrowed from French zigzag in the 18th century; possibly inspired by the shape of the letter Z, which appears twice in the word.
Class of 1700
zigzag joined the language around 1700.
See the full Class of 1700 →
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
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.
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