Meaning & Definition of word "Zag"

Zag

/zæɡ/

1. A sharp turn or change in direction, especially in a zigzag pattern.
- Example: The road is full of zags that make driving tricky.
2. A sudden twist or change in strategy.
- Example: The team's defeat was unexpected, but they managed a last-minute zag that surprised their opponents.

1. To make a sharp turn or course change in a zigzag manner.
- Example: The cyclist had to zag quickly to avoid the pothole.
2. To move in a zigzag pattern.
- Example: The hikers zagged up the rocky path to find the best route.

The word 'zag' is a back-formation from the word 'zigzag', which traces back to the early 19th century.

zag when you should zig:

to make the wrong choice or move in a contrary direction.

zagging back and forth:

to move erratically or unpredictably.

zag across the street:

to make sharp turns while crossing a road.

zig:

to move in a zigzag pattern of sharp turns.

zigzag:

a pattern characterized by sharp turns or angles.

Meaning: to change one's mind suddenly

Example Sentence: He zagged on his plans for the weekend.

Meaning: to evade or dodge

Example Sentence: She zig-zagged through the crowd to avoid being noticed.