: backward and forward
also
: between two places or persons
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
Nathan Diller, USA Today, 13 May 2025
In the final, Sewing won a back-and-forth three game match (11),14,10 to take her third gold medal in the last four APP Events.
—Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Lizz Schumer, People.com, 3 May 2025
However, Boone’s plan is to keep Vivas as second, opposed to him and other capable infielders like Oswaldo Cabrera, Oswald Peraza and Pablo Reyes moving back and forth between the two positions.
—Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for back-and-forth
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Noun
The back-and-forth continues for nearly 15 seconds.
—Nathan Diller, USA Today, 13 May 2025
In the final, Sewing won a back-and-forth three game match (11),14,10 to take her third gold medal in the last four APP Events.
—Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Adverb
Gert started to giggle again, and the officer shined his flashlight into both of their faces, back and forth.
—Lizz Schumer, People.com, 3 May 2025
However, Boone’s plan is to keep Vivas as second, opposed to him and other capable infielders like Oswaldo Cabrera, Oswald Peraza and Pablo Reyes moving back and forth between the two positions.
—Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for 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 17 May. 2025.
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