up-and-down

1 of 2

adjective

1
: marked by alternate upward and downward movement, action, or surface
2

up and down

2 of 2

adverb

1
: to and fro
paced up and down
2
: so as to move upward and then downward repeatedly
jumping up and down
3
archaic : here and there especially throughout an area
4
: with regard to every particular : thoroughly
knew the territory up and down
up and down preposition

Examples of up-and-down 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.
Adjective
Place the nozzle directly over the vent and spray, using an up-and-down motion to move the nozzle while spraying short bursts of air. Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Mar. 2025 The baseball team is 12-6 entering Atlantic Coast Conference play following an up-and-down first month of the season. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 13 Mar. 2025
Adverb
On the courts of the Roundball Classic, Vaccaro forged connections with all kinds of coaches and athletes up and down the East Coast. William Goodman, Men's Health, 8 Apr. 2023 Councilmember Marcus Bush said that repealing the cruising ban was not just about being free to take a person’s ride up and down a city street. Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2023 See All Example Sentences for up-and-down

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1755, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of up-and-down was in the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Up-and-down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/up-and-down. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

up-and-down

adjective
1
: marked by alternate upward and downward movement, action, or surface
2

More from Merriam-Webster on up-and-down

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