# zigzag

/ˈzɪɡzæɡ/ (US) · /zˈɪɡzæɡ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/zigzag
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. a pattern or path

noun · CEFR B2

a line or path that turns sharply from side to side.

For teachers: a line or course that proceeds by sharp turns in alternating directions.

- The child drew a green zigzag across the bottom of the paper to look like grass.
- The mountain trail was a series of steep zigzags that tested the hikers' endurance before they reached the summit.

### 2. to move side to side

verb · CEFR B2

to move in a way that changes direction quickly and often.

For teachers: to move or progress in a series of sharp turns or angles.

- The skier had to zigzag down the slope to avoid the trees.
- The messenger zigzagged through the dense afternoon traffic, expertly weaving his motorcycle between stationary cars.

Usage: Intransitive verb; often followed by a prepositional phrase of direction.

### 3. having sharp turns

adjective · CEFR B2

having the shape of a zigzag.

For teachers: formed or moving in a zigzag pattern.

- The shirt had a colorful zigzag pattern on the sleeves.
- The architect incorporated a zigzag roofline to mimic the jagged peaks of the nearby mountain range.

### 4. in a turning manner

adverb · CEFR B2

moving in a pattern of sharp turns.

For teachers: in a zigzag manner or pattern.

- The rabbit ran zigzag across the field to escape the fox.
- The small boat sailed zigzag against the wind, slowly making its way toward the harbor entrance.

## Examples

- The hikers followed a zigzag path down the mountain.
- The artist used a zigzag pattern to add visual interest to the simple white background.
- The politician's career was a zigzag of shifting allegiances, moving from the far left to the center-right over the course of a single decade.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.