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A zigzag is a line of alternating, sharp up-and-down turns that form peaks and valleys kind of resembling the letter Z.

As a noun, zigzag can also refer to a route or path that resembles this kind of pattern, as in The dragonfly moved through the air in a zigzag.��

Zigzag can also be used as a verb meaning to move back and forth while traveling forward in a way that resembles this pattern, as in The dragonfly zigzagged through the air.��

As a verb, zigzag is most commonly used in the context of physical movement, but it can be used in situations in which people keep doing different things, such as changing their minds. A much more common term for this is flip-flop.

It is also used as an adjective in phrases like zigzag pattern. In sewing, a zigzag stitch is a type of stitch that can be made by a sewing machine, such as to finish the edges of a garment. Some sewing machines use an attachment called a zigzagger to make such stitches.

Example: Some animals, like the hare, move in a zigzag pattern when escaping predators, making it harder for them to be caught.

The first records of the word zigzag come from around the early 1700s. It comes from the French ziczac, from the German zickzack, which is based on the German Zacke, meaning “point” or “jagged �������𳦳پ��Dz�.”

Zigzags have jagged points from the line sharply moving up and then back down. Sometimes, people use the words zig and zag by themselves to mean to move in one of the directions in a zigzag pattern. This is usually used in a somewhat humorous way, as in You zigged when you should have zagged! Both zig and zag came from zigzag (not the other way around).

What are some other forms related to zigzag?

• zigzaggedness (noun)
• zigzagger (noun)

What are some words that share a root or word element with zigzag?��

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• zig
• zag
• zigzag rule
• tack

What are some words that often get used in discussing zigzag?

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• pattern
• line
• stitch
• move
• run
• back
• forth
• jagged
• edge

Zigzag is commonly used as a noun, verb, and adjective. It’s typically used in the context of patterns and movements.

Who drew a zigzag and decided to call it a "N and why did someone draw that same zigzag sideways and call it a "Z"?

— Cierra (@PearlsForDogTag)

DYK when squirrels feel threatened, they run away in a zigzag pattern. This is a useful strategy to predators. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work so well on cars. Consider slowing down and giving squirrels a brake! More squirrel facts:

— National Wildlife Federation (@NWF)

CM Rasmussen re sidewalk policy: “This new rule means fewer people walking into traffic or zigzagging across intersections on their way home

— Seattle City Council (@SeattleCouncil)

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Which of the following words best describes a zigzag?

A. even
B. straight
C. jagged
D. smooth