Definition

1. Noun:

   • A line or path that consists of a series of sharp turns or angles alternating between right and left directions: "zigzag" describes a pattern or shape characterized by these sharp, repeated turns.
   • Something that has the form of such a line: "zigzag" can refer to any object, design, or course that follows this pattern.

2. Verb:

   • To move or proceed along a course that makes sharp alternate turns: "zigzag" means to travel in a path that repeatedly changes direction from one side to the other.
   • To form or cause to form a zigzag pattern: "zigzag" can also mean to create or arrange something in this alternating, angular pattern.

3. Adjective:

   • Having the form of a zigzag; characterized by sharp turns: "zigzag" describes something that is not straight but instead has a series of alternating angles.

4. Adverb:

   • In a zigzag manner or direction: "zigzag" describes the way an action is performed, meaning with sharp turns from side to side.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The lightning bolt made a perfect zigzag across the dark sky.
  • She cut the fabric in a zigzag.

• Verb:

  • The skier had to zigzag down the steep, narrow slope.
  • The path zigzags through the forest before reaching the lake.

• Adjective:

  • They followed the zigzag trail up the mountain.
  • The dress had a zigzag pattern along the hem.

• Adverb:

  • The rabbit ran zigzag to escape the fox.
  • The stitches were sewn zigzag for extra strength.

Advanced Usage

• "in a zigzag": following a zigzag pattern or course.

  • The convoy drove in a zigzag to avoid potential threats.

• "zigzag one's way": to move carefully by making a series of turns.

  • We zigzagged our way through the crowded market.

Variants and Related Words

• Zigzagged (adj): Having a zigzag form; marked by zigzags.

  • The zigzagged line on the map indicates a hiking trail.

• Zigzagging (n/adj): The action of moving in a zigzag; forming zigzags.

  • The constant zigzagging of the sailboat made some passengers seasick.

Synonyms

• Meander: To follow a winding and turning course (often less angular than a zigzag).
• Wind: To have a curving or twisting course.
• Serpentine: Winding or twisting like a snake.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

(Note: "zigzag" is not commonly used with particles to form standard phrasal verbs. Its meaning is typically contained in the single word.)

Related Idioms

• "Zigzag across/through/up/down": This is the standard construction to describe movement in a zigzag pattern across a space or through an area.
  • The children zigzagged through the maze.

Adjective

1. having short sharp turns or angles

Adverb

1. in a zigzag course or on a zigzag path
   • birds flew zigzag across the blue sky

Noun

1. an angular shape characterized by sharp turns in alternating directions

Verb

1. travel along a zigzag path
   • The river zigzags through the countryside