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zigzag

/ˌzɪgˈzæg/
/ˈzɪgzæg/
IPA guide

Other forms: zigzags; zigzagged; zigzagging

The word zigzag describes the shape of a line. A line drawn in a zigzag shape makes a lot of short, sharp turns. The letter Z is a zigzag itself, and a thunderbolt is also often represented as a zigzag.

The first turn a zigzag line makes is called a zig, and the second is called the zag. Zigzag can also be a verb. If you're describing how you got lost in the desert, you might say, "I meant to go straight, but then I zigged, and then I zagged." Serpentine describes a line that curves, but the curves are rounded (like a serpent), not short and sharp like a zigzag.

Definitions of zigzag
  1. noun
    an angular shape characterized by sharp turns in alternating directions
    synonyms: zag, zig
    see moresee less
    type of:
    angular shape, angularity
    a shape having one or more sharp angles
  2. adjective
    having short sharp turns or angles
    synonyms: zig-zag
    crooked
    having or marked by bends or angles; not straight or aligned
  3. verb
    travel along a zigzag path
    “The river zigzags through the countryside”
    synonyms: crank
    see moresee less
    type of:
    go, locomote, move, travel
    change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
  4. adverb
    in a zigzag course or on a zigzag path
    “birds flew zigzag across the blue sky”
Pronunciation
US
/ˌzɪgˈzæg/
UK
/ˈzɪgzæg/
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DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘zigzag'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
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