zig

1 of 2

noun

ˈzig 

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 maneuverings

—The New York Times

zig

2 of 2

verb

zigged; zigging

intransitive verb

: to execute a zig

—usually contrasted with zag

zigs when others zag

Synonyms

Verb

• break
• cut
• sheer
• swerve
• veer
• yaw
• zag

Examples of zig in a Sentence

Verb

the fox zigged to the right, and the hounds followed

Recent Examples on the Web

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

Yet there could also be arguments to zig when others zag and focus on existing channels and motions that work well when everyone is chasing new ones. —Michelle Tan, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024

Sean likes to break the mold, and kinda zig when everybody else is zagging. —Vincent Perella, IndieWire, 2 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

zigzag

First Known Use

Noun

1840, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1940, in the meaning defined above