switch·back
ˈswich-ˌbak 
: a zigzag road, trail, or section of railroad tracks for climbing a steep hill
switchback
adjective
switchbacked; switchbacking; switchbacks
: to follow a zigzag course especially for ascent or descent
a trail that switchbacks
Examples of switchback in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 12 Dec. 2024
But the trade-off is worth it, with spectacular views the whole way up and down its switchbacks.
—Emily Pennington, Outside Online, 18 July 2024
Outside Online, 23 Oct. 2024
Cable cars have become relatively regular modes of transport for residents of the mountainous northern region of Pakistan, where journeys along switchback roads climbing steep slopes or descending into deep valleys can take hours to cover just a few miles as the crow flies.
—Salman Masood, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2023
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Noun
There is also a switchback lounge and dinette, both of which can be converted to comfortable sleeping areas at the end of the day.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 12 Dec. 2024
But the trade-off is worth it, with spectacular views the whole way up and down its switchbacks.
—Emily Pennington, Outside Online, 18 July 2024
Verb
In the middle of the Redwall switchbacks her skin went purple and her arms went limp.
—Outside Online, 23 Oct. 2024
Cable cars have become relatively regular modes of transport for residents of the mountainous northern region of Pakistan, where journeys along switchback roads climbing steep slopes or descending into deep valleys can take hours to cover just a few miles as the crow flies.
—Salman Masood, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2023
See all Example Sentences for switchback
Dictionary Entries Near switchback
Cite this Entry
“Switchback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/switchback. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
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