switchback

1 of 2

noun

switch·​back ˈswich-ˌbak How to pronounce switchback (audio)
: a zigzag road, trail, or section of railroad tracks for climbing a steep hill
switchback adjective

switchback

2 of 2

verb

switchbacked; switchbacking; switchbacks

intransitive verb

: 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
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
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 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1863, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1903, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of switchback was in 1863

Dictionary Entries Near switchback

Cite this Entry

“Switchback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/switchback. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

switchback

noun
switch·​back
ˈswich-ˌbak
: a zigzag road, trail, or section of railroad tracks for climbing a steep hill

More from Merriam-Webster on switchback

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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