zigzag Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an angular shape characterized by sharp turns in alternating directions
    zig; zag.
  2. verb travel along a zigzag path
    crank.
    • The river zigzags through the countryside
  3. adjective satellite having short sharp turns or angles
    zig-zag.
  4. adverb in a zigzag course or on a zigzag path
    • birds flew zigzag across the blue sky

WordNet

Zig"zag` noun
Etymology
F. zigzag, G. zickzack, from zacke, zacken, a dentil, tooth. Cf. Tack a small nail.
Definitions
  1. Something that has short turns or angles.
    The fanatics going straight forward and openly, the politicians by the surer mode of zigzag. Burke.
  2. (Arch.) A molding running in a zigzag line; a chevron, or series of chevrons. See Illust. of Chevron, 3.
  3. (Fort.) See Boyau.
Zig"zag` adjective
Definitions
  1. Having short, sharp turns; running this way and that in an onward course.
Zig"zag` transitive verb
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Zigzagged ; present participle & verbal noun Zigzagging
Definitions
  1. To form with short turns.
Zig"zag` intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To move in a zigzag manner; also, to have a zigzag shape. R. Browning.

Webster 1913