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zigzag

/ˈzɪgˌzæg/
/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
/ˈzɪgˌzæg/
UK
/ˈzɪgzæg/
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