Words / A1

ZIGZ-ag/ˈzɪɡzæɡ/

A zigzag is a line that turns sharply left, then right, then left again, like a lot of W or Z shapes. Countable: a zigzag, zigzags; a zigzag path; zigzag as a verb (the road zigzags). A straight line does not turn; a curve turns smoothly, not in sharp corners. Mix-up: zigzag vs zip (clothes fastener) — extra zag; and zig + zag as two words — write one word: zigzag.

Meaning

A line that turns sharply left and right, like a lot of W shapes.

Examples

• “The path went in a zigzag up the hill.”
• “Draw a zigzag across the page.”
• “The path was a zigzag up the steep hill.”

Good to know

a zigzag / zigzag path (one word, sharp turns). Contrast: straight line, curve (smooth). Mix-up: zip.

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