zig

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 zag
2
: a sharp alteration or change of direction (as in a process or policy)
the quick zigs and zags of his international maneuveringsThe New York Times

zig

2 of 2

verb

zigged; zigging

intransitive verb

: to execute a zig
usually contrasted with zag
zigs when others zag

Examples of zig in a Sentence

Verb the fox zigged to the right, and the hounds followed
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
Missoni zig zag pointelle bikini $470 MYTHERESA This cotton and polyester blend bikini features Missoni’s iconic zig zag pattern in playful rainbow colors. Kerry Pieri, Vogue, 22 June 2024 The three available colors (pink, white and blue) have cool zig zags that almost match the pattern of criss-crossing laces for an aesthetic shoe meant for all players regardless of level. Good Housekeeping, 26 June 2023
Verb
The series’s willingness to blow up relationships, reveal hidden secrets, and zig the plot one way after setting it up to zag the other way give it a lot of options. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 29 Sep. 2024 There are several mountain biking trails that zig and zag up tight, dusty paths and through thickly wooded forest, and others that are perfect for more intermediate riders with only slight elevation gains. Meira Gebel, Axios, 10 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for zig 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

zigzag

First Known Use

Noun

1840, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1940, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of zig was in 1840

Dictionary Entries Near zig

Cite this Entry

“Zig.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zig. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

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