What does zigzag mean?
Zigzag describes a line, route, or pattern that turns sharply first in one direction and then in the other, producing a series of alternating angles. It functions as a noun, as in “a zigzag in the road”; as a verb, meaning to move in such a twisting course; as an adjective, describing something that forms or follows this pattern; and, less commonly, as an adverb. The word is used for physical movement, visual patterns, and figurative descriptions of indirect or constantly changing progress. In everyday English, “zigzag” often conveys the visual impression of repeated sharp turns, while related terms such as “meander” may suggest a more winding or indirect course. The word is equally established in British and American English and is useful whenever a concise description of alternating, angular movement is needed.
A line, path, route, or pattern consisting of short, sharp turns alternating in opposite directions.
"The trail descends in a series of zigzags toward the river."
The plural is zigzags.
To move or proceed in a series of short, sharp turns in alternating directions.
"The plane zigzagged through the storm clouds."
The third-person singular is zigzags, and the present participle is zigzagging.
Shaped, arranged, or moving in a zigzag pattern.
"They attached a zigzag ribbon to the package."
This form is common for physical patterns and routes, and it can also describe an indirect or changing course.
In a zigzag manner, with alternating sharp turns.
"The dancers moved zigzag across the floor."
The adverb is less common than the noun, verb, and adjective forms.
The standard plural of the noun is zigzags.
"The path was marked by sharp zigzags between the cliffs."
A zigzag is a path that refuses to commit to a straight line.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does zigzag come from?
Zigzag is generally understood as an English compound formed by pairing the short forms zig and zag, probably as a playful or imitative construction. The two elements suggest quick, sharp turns, and the word became established in the early nineteenth century for both the pattern and the act of moving along it. The hyphenated variant zig-zag is also recorded, but there is no well-established family of common cognates beyond these component forms.
Related word forms
How zigzag is actually used
The word is neutral in register and is common in both formal and informal English. As an adjective, it describes a shape or course; as an adverb, it is somewhat less frequent than the other forms. In figurative use, it can suggest an indirect or repeatedly changing course.
Easily confused with zigzag
Zig-zag is a hyphenated variant of the same word rather than a separate meaning.