Zag

/zæɡ/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A sharp turn or change in direction, especially in a zigzag pattern.

The road is full of zags that make driving tricky.

A sudden twist or change in strategy.

The team's defeat was unexpected, but they managed a last-minute zag that surprised their opponents.

verb

To make a sharp turn or course change in a zigzag manner.

The cyclist had to zag quickly to avoid the pothole.

To move in a zigzag pattern.

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.

to change one's mind suddenly

He zagged on his plans for the weekend.

to evade or dodge

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