I. ˈzigˌzag, -aa(ə)g, -aig noun
( -s )
Etymology: French, probably from German zickzack
1. : one of a series of short sharp turns, angles, or alterations in a course
the zigzags of the mountain roads — Vincent Starrett
the party line has been a series of violent zigzags — Nation
2. : something having the form or character of a series of short sharp turns, angles, or alterations
draw a zigzag in the air — Annette Dinsmore
a blue necktie with cherry red zigzags — Lawrence Williams
as
a. : a zigzag road or fence
a split-rail zigzag
b. : a zigzag approach in siege operations to avoid enfilade fire
c. : a molding running in a zigzag line : a chevron or series of chevrons
II. adverb
: in or by a zigzag path or course
birds … flew zigzag with a shrill cry — Elizabeth Bowen
III. adjective
also zig·zag·gy -gē
: having short sharp turns or angles
a zigzag path
zigzag stitching
IV. verb
( zigzagged ; zigzagged ; zigzagging ; zigzags )
transitive verb
1. : to trace a zigzag upon
2. : to form into a zigzag
office buildings … slightly zigzagged to fit available ground space — American Guide Series: Arkansas
intransitive verb
: to lie in, proceed along, or consist of a zigzag course
lightning zigzagging through the pungent air — William Beebe
a faint little path that zigzagged through ferny undergrowth — G.C.Bestor
his line of thought suddenly zigzagged into the … practical — Helen Howe