back-and-forth

1 of 2

noun

back and forth

2 of 2

adverb

: 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
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
Religion gameplay needs attention, as there’s no way to stop other leaders’ missionaries, leading to unsatisfying back-and-forth conversion gameplay. Ars Technica, 13 Mar. 2025 The Congressional negotiations have been overshadowed by concerns about a potential recession in the U.S. and a daily back-and-forth between the Trump administration and world leaders about tariffs. Jesse Pound, CNBC, 13 Mar. 2025
Adverb
Split Fiction jumps back and forth between sci-fi and fantasy gameplay in a uniquely creative way that according to these reviews, is simply unlike anything else in this industry that is endlessly trying to clone big genres or just keep pumping out sequels. Paul Tassi, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025 Sandler screamed, and the pair bantered back and forth. David Oliver, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for back-and-forth

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1941, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

1613, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of back-and-forth was in 1613

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Back-and-forth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/back-and-forth. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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