zag

1 of 2

noun

1
a
: one of the sharp turns, angles, or alterations in a zigzag course
b
: one of the short straight lines or sections of a zigzag course at an angle to a zig
2

zag

2 of 2

verb

zagged; zagging

intransitive verb

: to execute a zag
usually contrasted with zig

Examples of zag in a Sentence

Verb the crowd roared as the clown on the bicycle zagged while the other clowns, in hot pursuit, zigged
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The plot zigs and zags like this for a while, sometimes confusingly, before heading in a more straightforward direction. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Nov. 2024 Not having the autonomy needed to act nimbly to the economy’s zigs and zags adds an extra layer of complexity to Pan’s job that neither Powell nor Ueda confront. William Pesek, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024
Verb
Jones gradually ratchets up power, adding jolting brass and a string section that zigs and zags dramatically. Elias Leight, Billboard, 4 Nov. 2024 Plus, the Heat typically will zig while other teams will zag. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 14 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for zag 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

zigzag

First Known Use

Noun

1793, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1900, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of zag was in 1793

Dictionary Entries Near zag

Cite this Entry

“Zag.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zag. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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