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
The song was just that sensational, not only dazzling those who’d been invested in the back-and-forth from the start, but also delighting casual music fans of all stripes. Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 23 Dec. 2024 This fixation is a pity, since opera, like any art form, thrives on debate, disagreement, the back-and-forth of the public sphere. Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024
Adverb
Webb ducked his head out of frame for much of the hearing but could be seen rocking back and forth. Liam Rappleye, Detroit Free Press, 28 Dec. 2024 After some back and forth, Congress passed a continuing resolution (CR) that keeps the government funded through March 14, 2025. Rhett Buttle, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near back-and-forth

back and forth

back-and-forth

back-and-forthing

Cite this Entry

“Back-and-forth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/back-and-forth. Accessed 2 Jan. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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