: backward and forward
also
: between two places or persons
Synonyms
Examples of back-and-forth in a Sentence
Noun
after the usual back-and-forth of official gifts, the two leaders entered into a serious discussion
the others listened with relish to the back-and-forth between the two noted professors
Adverb
The chair rocked back and forth.
The children were shuttled back and forth between school and home.
Recent Examples on the Web
Nicky Wolcott, Charlotte Observer, 4 July 2024
For most of the night, the two teams traded blows in a back-and-forth contest.
—Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2024
Leah Asmelash, CNN, 24 June 2024
Hard Science Scientists see an earthquake boomerang back and forth in the Atlantic
Seismic data from 2016 reveals a rare bi-directional boomerang earthquake.
—Big Think, 24 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for back-and-forth 
Noun
The normally resolute side was stretched throughout as a back-and-forth second half progressed, and both teams created opportunities late in the game.
—Nicky Wolcott, Charlotte Observer, 4 July 2024
For most of the night, the two teams traded blows in a back-and-forth contest.
—Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2024
Adverb
And so then that comes in fashion, and probably the pendulum just swings back and forth.
—Leah Asmelash, CNN, 24 June 2024
Hard Science Scientists see an earthquake boomerang back and forth in the Atlantic
Seismic data from 2016 reveals a rare bi-directional boomerang earthquake.
—Big Think, 24 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for back-and-forth
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'back-and-forth.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near back-and-forth
Cite this Entry
“Back-and-forth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/back-and-forth. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.
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