zigzag, n., adj., & adv.

zigzag
http://www.oed.com/dictionary/zigzag_n%3Ftab%3Dmeaning_and_use
First published 1921; not fully revised

# zigzagnoun, adjective, & adverb

## Earlier version

- zigzag, n., a., adv. in OED Second Edition (1989)

## Factsheet

### What does the word zigzag mean?

There are 15 meanings listed in OED's entry for the word zigzag. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

zigzag has developed meanings and uses in subjects including

fortification (mid 1700s) architecture (mid 1700s) life sciences (late 1700s) plants (late 1700s) agriculture (1870s) commercial fishing (1870s) military (1910s)

#### Entry status

OED is undergoing a continuous programme of revision to modernize and improve definitions. This entry has not yet been fully revised.

### How common is the word zigzag?

About 1occurrence per million words in modern written English

1750 | 0.078
1760 | 0.13
1770 | 0.18
1780 | 0.22
1790 | 0.33
1800 | 0.48
1810 | 0.64
1820 | 0.76
1830 | 0.91
1840 | 1.2
1850 | 1.5
1860 | 1.7
1870 | 1.9
1880 | 1.9
1890 | 2.0
1900 | 2.0
1910 | 1.9
1920 | 1.8
1930 | 1.7
1940 | 1.6
1950 | 1.4
1960 | 1.3
1970 | 1.2
1980 | 1.1
1990 | 1.1
2000 | 1.1
2010 | 1.1

### How is the word zigzag pronounced?

#### British English

/ˈzɪɡzaɡ/
ZIG-zag

#### U.S. English

/ˈzɪɡˌzæɡ/
ZIG-zag

### Where does the word zigzag come from?

Earliest known use

early 1700s

The earliest known use of the word zigzag is in the early 1700s.

OED's earliest evidence for zigzag is from 1712, in a translation by John James, architect, surveyor, and carpenter.

zigzag is a borrowing from French.

Etymons: French zigzag.

### Nearby entries

1. Ziehl, n. 1892–
2. Ziehl-Neelsen, n. 1892–
3. ziff, n. 1917–
4. ZIFT, n. 1988–
5. zig, n. 1978–
6. zig, v. 1969–
7. Zigeuner, n. & adj. 1802–
8. Zigeunerin, n. 1845–83
9. ziggety, int., adj., & adv. 1924–
10. ziggurat, n. 1873–
11. zigzag, n., adj., & adv.1712–
12. zigzag, v. 1777–
13. zigzag connection, n. 1922–
14. zigzagged, adj. 1774–
15. zigzaggery, n. 1761–
16. zigzaggy, adj. a1845–
17. zigzag machine, n. 1952–
18. zigzag trefoil, n. 1796–
19. zig-zig, n. 1918–
20. Zika, n. 1952–
21. Zilavka, n. 1926–

## Etymology

### Summary

A borrowing from French.
Etymon: French zigzag.
< French zigzag (1680 in Hatzfeld & Darmesteter); ultimate origin unknown; partly symbolic, the two different vowels suggesting the two different directions. Compare German zickzack (Sperander, 1727…
< French zigzag (1680 in Hatzfeld & Darmesteter); ultimate origin unknown; partly symbolic, the two different vowels suggesting the two different directions. Compare German zickzack (Sperander, 1727), said to be first used of fortifications (sense A.3a).

## Meaning & use

1. noun
   1. 1. 1.a.
         1712–
         A series of short lines inclined at angles in alternate directions; a line or course having sharp turns of this kind; concrete something characterized by such lines or turns. Originally in in zigzag (= French en zigzag).
         1. 1712

            > Steps of Grass laid in Zic-Zac [Note, The French call this an Allée en Zic-Zac, for its Likeness to a Machine so called].

            J. James, translation of A.-J. Dézallier d'Argenville, Theory & Practice of Gardening 42
         2. 1712

            > Chevrons, or Checks of Grass in Zig-Zac.

            J. James, translation of A.-J. Dézallier d'Argenville, Theory & Practice of Gardening 215
         3. 1728

            > An Alley in Ziczac, is that which has too great a Descent.

            E. Chambers, Cyclopædia at Alley
         4. 1822

            > The larger tubercles placed in zig-zag.

            J. Parkinson, Outline Oryctology 139
         5. 1892

            > Entering by the beautiful Gate of Justice, and winding in zigzag through the thickness of the tower.

            E. Reeves, Homeward Bound 299
         1. 1766

            > Here's none of your strait lines here—but all taste—zig-zag—crinkum-crankum—in and out.

            G. Colman & D. Garrick, Clandestine Marriage ii. ii. 28
         2. 1830

            > Twisted into a serpent, or bent into a zig-zag.

            M. Donovan, Domestic Economy vol. I. vii. 235
         3. 1856

            > The other [road] was practicable for carriages, and for this purpose was made to climb the acclivity with a zigzag.

            C. Merivale, History of Romans under Empire vol. IV. xl. 495
         4. 1871

            > Terminating with a turquoise zig-zag.

            A. Nesbitt, Catalogue Slade Collection of Glass 6
         5. 1880

            > Dashing his finger in a fiery zig-zag along the line for her pen to follow.

            G. Meredith, Tragic Comedians vol. II. iii. 36
         6. 1884

            > The hieroglyphic use of the zigzag, for water, by the Egyptians.

            J. Ruskin, Pleasures Eng. (1885) iii. §87. 121
         1. zigzag 1712–
            A series of short lines inclined at angles in alternate directions; a line or course having sharp turns of this kind; concrete something…
         View in Historical Thesaurus
      2. 1.b.
         1743–
         Each of such lines or turns: chiefly in plural.
         1. 1743

            > Nonsense precipitate, like running Lead, That slip'd thro' Cracks and Zig-zags of the Head.

            A. Pope, Dunciad (revised edition) i. 124
         2. 1775

            > A winding road, which forms thirteen zig-zags.

            R. Twiss, Travels Portugal & Spain 64
         3. 1833

            > A cap, laced and ribanded in all manner of zig-zags.

            L. Ritchie, Wanderings by Loire 182
         4. a1861

            > The lightning zigzags shoot across the sky.

            A. H. Clough, Poems & Prose Remains (1869) vol. II. 291
         5. 1865

            > The button made many a zigzag from side to side of the table.

            G. MacDonald, Alec Forbes lxxiv
         6. 1875

            > The grand curve of growth..does not assume the form of a continuous curve, but shows a number of small zigzags.

            A. W. Bennett & W. T. T. Dyer, translation of J. von Sachs, Text-book of Botany 742
         1. zigzag 1743–
            Each of such lines or turns: chiefly in plural.
         View in Historical Thesaurus
      3. 1.c.
         1782–
         figurative.
         1. 1782

            > Though such continual zigzags in a book, Such drunken reelings have an aukward look.

            W. Cowper, Conversation in Poems 255
         2. 1796

            > The fanaticks going straight forward and openly, the politicians by the surer mode of zigzag.

            E. Burke, Two Letters Peace Regicide Directory France in Works (1842) vol. II. 311
         3. 1816

            > The little zigzags of embarrassment.

            J. Austen, Emma vol. I. xv. 282
         4. 1913

            > Our policy is apt to go in zigzags, because different sections of our people exercise at different times unequal pressure on our government.

            T. Roosevelt, Autobiography 579
   2. 2.
      a1745–
      A road or path turning sharply at angles in alternate directions, esp. so as to reduce the gradient on a steep slope; each of the sharp turns forming such a road.
      1. a1745

         > How proudly he talks Of zigzacks and walks.

         J. Swift, My Lady's Lament. in Works (1765) vol. VIII. ii. 184
      2. 1848

         > I thread the doubtful zig-zags of May Fair.

         W. M. Thackeray, Book of Snobs vi. 24
      3. 1855

         > Up the valley of the Adour, to Arreau, a village approached by zigzags.

         H. Alford, Journal 19 August in Life, Journals & Letters (1873) vii. 250
      4. 1890

         > Many years before the Zig Zag [sc. railway in New South Wales] was chopped out of the sidelings.

         ‘R. Boldrewood’, Colonial Reformer xiii
      1. zigzag a1745–
         A road or path turning sharply at angles in alternate directions, esp. so as to reduce the gradient on a steep slope; each of the sharp turns…
      2. traverse 1963–
         Any of the diagonal sections of a zigzag road or path on a steep slope, each of which is joined to the next by a tight bend. Also: a steep zigzag…
      View in Historical Thesaurus
   3. 3.
      Applied spec. to other things of a zigzag shape.
      1. 3.a.
         1733–
         Fortification. A trench leading towards a besieged place, constructed in a zigzag direction so as not to be enfiladed by the defenders; a boyau.
         1. 1733

            > A Battery began in the Morning to play upon the Cavalier of the Bastion Ghiera; the Night following the Zic-zacs were continued.

            E. Budgell, Bee vol. IV. 67
         2. 1834

            > The zig-zags may often require a greater relief than the parallels.

            J. S. Macaulay, Treatise on Field Fortification 223
         fortification
         1. parallel 1591–
            Military. In a siege: a trench (usually one of three) that lies alongside and equidistant to the face of the fortification under siege, providing…
         2. sap 1642–
            A covered trench made for the purpose of approaching a besieged place under the fire of the garrison. flying sap: see flying sap at flying, adj. 4d.
         3. demi-sap 1706–
            A sap, n.³, or trench of approach, with a single parapet.
         4. half sap 1710–1800
            = demi-sap, n.
         5. zigzag 1733–
            Applied spec. to other things of a zigzag shape. Fortification. A trench leading towards a besieged place, constructed in a zigzag direction so as…
         View in Historical Thesaurus
      2. 3.b.
         1814–
         Architecture. A chevron-moulding.
         1. 1814

            > The dancette, as the figure is termed in heraldry, or zig-zag.

            W. Scott, Border Antiquities vol. I. 59
         2. 1826

            > The chevron or zig zag, that favorite British ornament so prominent in Egyptian remains.

            W. A. Miles, Description of Deverel Barrow 4
         3. 1884

            > The Norman zigzag.

            J. Ruskin, Pleasures Eng. (1885) iii. §87. 119
         architecture
         1. bowtell 1376–
            In stonework: a plain convex moulding; (also occasionally) a shaft forming part of a clustered pillar. Cf. torus, n. 1.
         2. crownwork 1594–1829
            Chiefly Architecture. Moulding used as a crowning decoration. Also: the uppermost horizontal member of a building or other structure. Obsolete.
         3. protypum 1601–1858
            A sculpture, moulding, etc., in bas-relief.
         4. chaplet 1623–
            Architecture. A moulding of the astragal species.
         5. bandelet a1645–
            A small band, streak, or fillet; in Architecture a small flat moulding encompassing a column.
         6. bedding-moulding 1664–1728
            An ornamental trim or moulding used to conceal the joint between a vertical surface and a surface or structure that projects above it, esp. between…
         7. quadra 1664–
            a. The plinth or socle of a podium. b. A platband or fillet, esp. one above or below the scotia in an Ionic base.
         8. staff moulding 1671–
            A moulding taking the form of a long rod or strip with a convex profile, sometimes highly ornamented, frequently used on corners and angles; cf. staff…
         9. surbase 1678–
            A border or moulding immediately above the base or lower panelling of a wainscoted room; also, = chair rail, n.
         10. bed moulding 1688–
             An ornamental trim or moulding used to conceal the joint between a vertical surface and a surface or structure that projects above it, esp. between…
         11. platband 1696–
             Architecture. A flat, unmoulded fascia or string course, forming a horizontal band along a wall, a border around a window, etc.
         12. eyebrow 1703–
             Architecture. Any of various mouldings or other structural components more or less resembling an eyebrow (sense 1a), esp. in being long and thin…
         13. square 1703
             In various special or technical senses. Architecture. A square moulding; an abacus. Obsolete.
         14. gorge 1706–
             Architecture. (See quots.)
         15. nerve 1728–1838
             Architecture. A rib or moulding on a vault. Obsolete. rare.
         16. heel 1734–55
             Architecture and Joinery. A cornice moulding with an S-shaped cross section, with the upper part convex and the lower part concave; a cyma…
         17. bead-work 1751–
             a. Ornamental work with beads; also attributive; so bead-worked adj.; b. bead moulding (bead, n. II.5).
         18. hatched moulding 1758–
             A moulding, used esp. in Norman architecture, ornamented with two series of parallel incisions crossing each other.
         19. quirk-moulding 1776–
             A moulding with a quirk or groove.
         20. star 1781–
             Architecture. A type of moulding carved with a continuous series of figures representing stars; = star moulding, n. Also: a figure representing a…
         21. hatchet moulding 1790–1902
             A moulding ornamented with two series of parallel incisions crossing each other; a hatched moulding.
         22. chair rail 1798–
             A thin strip of decorative wood or moulding that runs horizontally around the interior walls of a room to protect the wall from being scraped by…
         23. bead 1799–
             (a) Architecture. A small globular ornament, commonly applied in a row like a string of beads. Also in the names of various ornamental designs, as be…
         24. rope moulding 1813–
             A moulding made in imitation of the pattern of a rope.
         25. zigzag 1814–
             Applied spec. to other things of a zigzag shape. Architecture. A chevron-moulding.
         26. chevron-moulding 1815–
             An ornamental moulding of a zigzag pattern.
         27. nebule 1823–
             A moulding of a wavy or serpentine form. Also in extended use.
         28. billet a1831–
             Architecture. An ornamental moulding used in Norman architecture, consisting of short cylindrical pieces placed lengthwise at regular intervals…
         29. roll moulding 1830–
             A type of cylindrical moulding featuring a semicircular section.
         30. crown moulding 1832–
             A moulding that crowns an architectural feature or piece of furniture; (now esp.) an ornamental moulding around the wall of a room, just below…
         31. foot base 1833–89
             A moulding at the bottom of an interior wall.
         32. dancette 1838–
             Architecture. A zigzag or chevron moulding.
         33. pellet moulding 1838–
             A moulding ornamented with small hemispherical discs.
         34. star moulding 1838–
             Architecture a type of moulding (moulding, n.¹ 2a) carved with a continuous series of figures representing stars, typically associated with Norman…
         35. vignette moulding 1842–
             attributive in various senses, as vignette head, vignette moulding, vignette view, etc.
         36. bird's beak moulding 1845–
             A cornice moulding the section (section, n. 3d) of which consists of an ovolo at the top under which is an ogee, and which forms a sharp point…
         37. beak-head ornament 1848–
             (Cf. beak-head, n. 2).
         38. beak-head 1849–
             Architecture. An ornament shaped like a bird's beak used in Norman mouldings.
         39. billet moulding 1851–
             = billet, n.² 4.
         40. beading 1858–
             A bead moulding or edge line. spec. in Architecture and Joinery, a bead; also collectively, the beads of a moulding. attributive, as beading plane =…
         41. screw moulding 1867–
             †a. Moulding made in a spiral pattern (obsolete); †b. the process of making a screw in a greensand mould; see greensand, n. 2 (obsolete); c. a…
         42. Venetian dentil 1892–
             (See quot.).
         43. chevron-work
             = chevron-moulding, n.
         View in Historical Thesaurus
      3. 3.c.
         a1877–
         Fisheries. (See quot.)
         1. a1877

            > Zigzag,..2. A winding chute on the face of a dam to enable fish to ascend.

            E. H. Knight, Practical Dictionary of Mechanics vol. III. 2829/1
         agriculture commercial fishing
         1. salmon leap a1387–
            See leap, n.¹ 2b.
         2. fishway 1795–
            A channel built to enable fish, esp. salmon migrating upstream to spawn, to swim past or over a weir, dam, or similar obstacle; = fish pass, n.
         3. fish pass 1852–
            A channel built to enable fish, esp. salmon migrating upstream to spawn, to swim past or over a weir, dam, or similar obstacle; = fishway, n.
         4. fish ladder 1855–
            A stepped channel built to enable fish, esp. salmon migrating upstream to spawn, to swim past or over a weir, dam, or similar obstacle; cf. fish pass…
         5. fish slide 1861–
            a. North American a channel built to enable fish, esp. salmon migrating upstream to spawn, to swim past or over a weir, dam, or similar obstacle (cf…
         6. pass 1861–
            A channel built to enable fish to swim past or over a weir or similar obstacle, esp. (more fully salmon pass) one for salmon migrating upstream…
         7. salmon ladder 1867–
            A fish ladder for salmon; also, transferred ‘a contrivance used in the chemical treatment of sewage’ (Cent. Dict.).
         8. salmon pass 1867–
            = salmon ladder, n.
         9. salmon stair 1875–
            = salmon ladder, n.
         10. zigzag a1877–
             Applied spec. to other things of a zigzag shape. Fisheries. (See quot.)
         View in Historical Thesaurus
   4. 4.
      1815–
      Collectors' name for a shell, or a moth, with zigzag marking.
      1. 1815

         > Zigzag, Cypræa Ziczac.

         S. Brookes, Introduction Conchology 157
   5. 5.
      1909–
      (Zig-Zag noun (also Zig Zag) .) A proprietary name for cigarette paper.
      1. 1909

         > Braunstein & Cie, Paris... Zig Zag... Cigarette-paper.

         Official Gazette (U.S. Patent Office) 14 December 594/1
      2. 1927

         > Zig-zag No. 114... Cigarette papers. Société anonyme des anciens Établissements Braustein Frères.., Paris.

         Trade Marks Journal 13 April 675
      3. 1968

         > Zig-zag, paper of high quality which is commonly used in rolling marijuana.

         Current Slang (University South Dakota) Fall 52
      4. 1977

         > She stuffed her..Zig Zags back into her purse.

         C. McFadden, Serial (1978) xxx. 67/1
      tobacco
      1. cigarette paper 1860–
         Paper or a paper in which cigarettes or a cigarette is rolled.
      2. Zig-Zag 1909–
         (Zig-Zag n. also Zig Zag.) A proprietary name for cigarette paper.
      3. paper a1911–
         Short for cigarette paper, n.
      4. Rizla 1916–
         A proprietary name for: a type of cigarette paper. Also more widely: any cigarette paper.
      5. Rizla paper 1939–
      6. rolling paper 1943–
         a. U.S. (in plural) documents granting permission to travel in a vehicle, esp. a freight vehicle (rare); b. originally U.S. a small piece of thin…
      7. tissue 1952–
         A cigarette paper. Australian and New Zealand slang.
      8. skin 1967–
         slang. A cover or shell that protects or encloses something; a casing, a sheath. Originally U.S. A paper for rolling cigarettes, esp. a marijuana…
      View in Historical Thesaurus
2. adjective
   1. 1. 1.a.
         1752–
         Having the form of a zigzag; turning sharply at angles in alternate directions; characterized by turns of this kind.
         1. 1752

            > Striking it with a wriggling Motion from Side to Side, in a zigzag Way.

            A. Dobbs in Philosophical Transactions 1749–50 (Royal Society) vol. 46 543
         2. 1769

            > Flashes of forked, or zig-zag lightning.

            W. Hamilton in Philosophical Transactions 1768 (Royal Society) vol. 58 11
         3. 1785

            > He..transforms old print To zig-zag manuscript.

            W. Cowper, Task ii. 364
         4. 1792

            > Up from the lake a zigzag path will creep.

            W. Wordsworth, Descriptive Sketches 236
         5. 1836

            > Away jogs the boat in a zigzag direction.

            C. Dickens, Sketches by Boz 1st Series vol. II. 187
         6. 1860

            > A kind of zigzag channel had been worn on the side of the mountain.

            J. Tyndall, Glaciers of Alps i. ii. 11
         figurative
         1. 1798

            > Be regular: from A to B proceed; I hate your zig-zag verse, and wanton heed.

            T. J. Mathias, Pursuits of Literature (ed. 7) 327
         2. 1861

            > The old joke of the zigzag jury who said ‘Guilty’ and ‘Not guilty’ alternately, all through the assizes.

            J. Pycroft, Ways & Words 192
         3. 1863

            > All the brood of zig-zag politicians.

            C. Cowden Clarke, Shakespeare-characters vi. 145
         4. 1897

            > Our policy is to have as little of the zigzag policy..as possible.

            G. J. Goschen in Hansard's Parliamentary Debates 4th Series vol. 47 597
         1. indented a1616–
            Having a serrated or zigzag figure, direction, or course, as a line, wall, moulding, path, etc.; constructed with salient and re-entrant angles…
         2. zigzag 1752–
            Having the form of a zigzag; turning sharply at angles in alternate directions; characterized by turns of this kind.
         3. zigzagged 1774–
            Having a zigzag form or marking.
         4. zigzaggy a1845–
            Characterized by zigzags or short sharp turns at alternate angles.
         5. zigzag-shaped 1846–
            zigzag-shaped adj.; zigzag fashion, zigzag-wise quasi-adverbs.
         6. chevrony 1887–
            gen. Formed of chevrons, zigzag.
         View in Historical Thesaurus
         1. winding 1561–
            Moving with twists and turns; making sinuous or meandering movements. Also of movement or activity: involving twists and turns; sinuous; meandering.
         2. crangling 1608–42
         3. glomerating 1634–38
            Winding about.
         4. mazy 1726
            That moves in a twisting, maze-like course. Obsolete. rare.
         5. zigzag 1752–
            Having the form of a zigzag; turning sharply at angles in alternate directions; characterized by turns of this kind.
         6. zigzagging 1827–
         7. switchback 1887–
            a. Applied to a form of railway used on steep slopes, consisting of a zigzag series of lines connected by switches, at each of which the train or car…
         View in Historical Thesaurus
      2. 1.b.
         1765–
         Architecture. Applied to a moulding or other ornament of a zigzag pattern: cf. A.3b.
         1. 1765

            > The chevron work (or zig-zag moulding).

            T. Gray, Letter in Correspondence (1971) vol. II. 864
         2. 1815

            > Channels in various forms, some plain zigzag, some like net-work, and some spiral.

            T. Rickman in J. Smith, Panorama of Science & Art vol. I. 136
         3. 1840

            > Columns of green basalt, with fantastic zigzag ornaments.

            C. Wordsworth, Greece 58
         architecture
         1. bowtelled?1578–1905
            Ornamented with or sculpted into bowtells.
         2. bolectioned 1693
            Having bolection moulding.
         3. reconciling 1754–
            Architecture and Shipbuilding. Of a curve or mould: that allows edges or surfaces to run flush with each other; (of a sweep) that joins two other…
         4. zigzag 1765–
            Architecture. Applied to a moulding or other ornament of a zigzag pattern: cf. A.3b.
         5. quirked 1774–
            Architecture. Furnished with or having a quirk (quirk, n.¹ II.9).
         6. reeded 1801–
            Chiefly Architecture and Joinery. Decorated or ornamented with reedings (reeding, n. 2a). See also reed, n.¹ III.14.
         7. nebule 1823–
            A moulding of a wavy or serpentine form. Also in extended use.
         8. studded 1838–
            Architecture. Of a moulding: ornamented with studs (stud, n.¹ III.6c). Now rare.
         9. nail-headed 1842–
            gen. Formed like a nail head; having a head like that of a nail.
         10. stuck 1850–
             Joinery. Designating a moulding that is cut into the timber with a plane rather than being fixed or planted on to its surface. Cf. stick, v.¹ II.11c.
         11. keeled a1878–
             Having a central dorsal ridge; carinate.
         View in Historical Thesaurus
      3. 1.c.
         1793–
         Botany. Applied to the stem of a plant, or to a plant having such a stem.
         1. 1793

            > Zigzag, used by some English writers for Flexuose.

            T. Martyn, Language of Botany sig. Y2
         2. 1796

            > Zigzag Ladies smock.

            W. Withering, Arrangement of British Plants (ed. 3) vol. III. 579
         3. 1819

            > Zigzag Trefoil,..a term sometimes applied by farmers to the perennial red clover, marl grass, or wild red clover.

            A. Rees, Cyclopædia vol. XXXIX
         plants
         1. gross 1578–
            Horticulture. Of a shoot or stem: disproportionately or excessively long, thick, or bulky. Also of a plant: exhibiting vigorous or luxuriant growth.
         2. zigzag 1793–
            Botany. Applied to the stem of a plant, or to a plant having such a stem.
         3. thick-stemmed 1847–
         4. leggy 1860–
            Of a plant: having a disproportionately long stem.
         5. longicauline 1862
            Having a long stem.
         6. longipedate 1894
            Having a long foot or stalk.
         View in Historical Thesaurus
   2. 2.
      1785–
      Having zigzag markings. (Chiefly Natural History.)
      1. 1785

         > Zigzag Bittern.

         J. Latham, General Synopsis of Birds vol. III. i. 61
      2. 1796

         > Zigzag chama, Venus castrensis.

         P. A. Nemnich, Allgemeines Polyglotten-Lexicon 946
      life sciences
      1. flecked 1664–70
         Of woodwork: Grained; marked. Obsolete.
      2. zigzagged 1774–
         Having a zigzag form or marking.
      3. zigzag 1785–
         Having zigzag markings. (Chiefly Natural History.)
      4. vermiculated 1872–
         Ornamented with sinuous or wavy lines or markings of a specified colour.
      View in Historical Thesaurus
   3. 3.
      1916–
      Military slang (chiefly U.S.). Drunk. Now rare.
      1. 1916

         > A Tommy went over to Arques Beaucoup zigzag and out for a larques.

         Gasper (18th, 19th, 20th, & 21st Royal Fusiliers) 29 April
      2. 1917

         > She..replied with emotion 'Bosch officier, no ben, plenty zig-zag​'.

         B.E.F. Times 10 April 3/1
      3. 1918

         > He got a trifle zig-zag.

         in C. Hamilton & L. Corbin, Echoes from over There (1919) 125
      4. 1923

         > He groped and floundered..not completely ‘zigzag’.

         E. Paul, Impromptu ii. 149
      5. 1965

         > I wanted to stay zigzag, but the silliness was out of me.

         S. Linakis, In Spring War Ended i. 24
      military U.S. English colloquial and slang
      1. drunken Old English–
         Overcome by liquor; intoxicated; = drunk, adj.
      2. fordrunken Old English–1513
         Drunk, overcome with drink.
      3. cup-shotten c1330–1693
         = cup-shot, adj., being the earlier form.
      4. drunk a1400–
         That has drunk intoxicating liquor to an extent which affects steady self-control; intoxicated, inebriated; overcome by alcoholic liquor. The degree…
      5. inebriate 1497–
         Inebriated, drunken; intoxicated (literal and figurative). Often construed as past participle.
      6. overseen c1500–1854
         Drunk, intoxicated. Frequently in overseen with drink (also wine, etc.). Obsolete (British regional in later use).
      7. liquor 1509–
         With reference to intoxicating effect. disguised with liquor = disguised, adj. 6.in liquor: in a state of intoxication. to be (the) worse for liquor…
      8. fou 1535–
         Drunk, intoxicated. Cf. full, adj. A.3d.i.
      9. nase?1536–1612
         Drunken, intoxicated. Of liquor: intoxicating.
      10. full 1554–
          Drunk, intoxicated. See also fou, adj. colloquial in later use.
      11. intoxicate 1554–
          In a state of intoxication as a result of drinking alcohol, taking drugs, etc.; = intoxicated, adj. 3a. Now rare.
      12. tippled 1564–1670
          Intoxicated, drunk.
      13. intoxicated 1576–
          In a state of intoxication as a result of drinking alcohol, taking drugs, etc.; drunk.
      14. pepst 1577
          Perhaps: drunk.
      15. overflown 1579–
          = overflowed, adj.
      16. whip-cat 1582–
          †a. adj. Drunken; b. n. (also whip-the-cat), a tailor or other workman who whips the cat.
      17. pottical 1586–90
          Full of, or inspired by, alcohol.
      18. cup-shot a1593–1699
          Overcome with liquor, intoxicated.
      19. fox-drunk 1592
          (See quot.).
      20. lion-drunk 1592–1634
          Said of a person in the second of the proverbial four stages of drunkenness, thought to be characterized by violent and quarrelsome behaviour.
      21. nappy 1592–
          Chiefly English regional (northern) and Scottish. Slightly intoxicated or exhilarated by drink. Now rare.
      22. sack-sopped 1593–
      23. in drink 1598
          spec. Intoxicating alcoholic beverage. Hence in various phrases: Indulgence to excess in intoxicating liquor; habits of intemperance, drunkenness. in…
      24. disguised a1600–
          Intoxicated; drunk, tipsy. archaic slang.
      25. drink-drowned 1600–
          Intoxicated.
      26. dagged a1605–
          a. Wet with dew, drizzling rain, or a sprinkling of anything. b. slang. Drunk.
      27. pot-shotten 1604–
          Intoxicated, drunk. Cf. pot-shot, adj.
      28. tap-shackled 1604–09
          ‘Fettered’ by drink, drunk.
      29. high 1607–
          Excited by alcoholic drink, drunk, intoxicated. Also in extended use.
      30. bumpsy 1611–81
          Drunk, intoxicated.
      31. foxed 1611–
          Intoxicated, drunk, stupefied.
      32. in one's cups 1611
          plural. The drinking of intoxicating liquor; potations, drunken revelry. in one's cups: †(a) While drinking, during a drinking-bout (also †amidst, a…
      33. liquored 1611–
      34. love-pot 1611
          Drunken.
      35. pot-sick 1611–1872
          a. Drunk, intoxicated; b. (of a plant) pot-bound; cramped or starved of nutrient.
      36. whift 1611
          Drunk, intoxicated.
      37. owl-eyed 1613–
      38. fap a1616–1818
          Drunk, intoxicated.
      39. hot a1616–
          Excited (originally with reference to the attendant increase in bodily heat). slang. Drunk, tipsy.
      40. inebriated 1615–
          Intoxicated, drunken.
      41. reeling ripe a1616–
          In such a state of intoxication as to be likely to stagger or reel. Cf. reeling drunk at reeling, adv.
      42. in one's (or the) pots 1618–
          in one's (or the) pots: (while) drunk. Cf. in one's cups at cup, n. II.10.
      43. scratched 1622
          slang. Drunk. Obsolete.
      44. high-flown?1624–
          Exceedingly great or intense; brought to a high pitch, elevated; elated. Formerly also: †intoxicated, drunk; cf. high, adj. A.III.19a (obsolete).
      45. pot-shot 1627–1731
          Overpowered by drink; intoxicated, drunk.
      46. temulentive 1628
          Drunken.
      47. ebrious 1629–
          Immoderately fond of drinking alcohol; habitually drunk.
      48. temulent 1629–
          Drunken, intoxicated; given to, characterized by, or proceeding from drunkenness; intoxicating.
      49. jug-bitten 1630–
          Intoxicated.
      50. pot-shaken 1630–71
          Drunk, intoxicated.
      51. cut in the leg 1635–59
          slang. cut in the leg (also cut in the back): drunk, intoxicated. Obsolete.
      52. toxed 1635
      53. bene-bowsie a1637
          In thieves' cant: Good. bene bowse n. good drink. bene-bowsie adj.
      54. swilled 1637–
          Filled with liquor, inebriated, drunken.
      55. paid 1638
          slang. Drunk, intoxicated. Obsolete. rare.
      56. soaken 1651–
          Soaked, saturated; intoxicated.
      57. temulentious 1652
      58. flagonal 1653
          Of or pertaining to a flagon.
      59. fuddled 1656–
          Intoxicated; also, muddled.
      60. nazzy 1673–
          Intoxicated, slightly drunk.
      61. concerned 1678–
          euphemistic. Having had too much to drink; the worse for drink; drunk. Frequently in concerned with (also in) drink (also liquor). Now rare.
      62. whittled 1694
      63. cut 1699–
          slang. Chiefly British. Drunk, intoxicated. Now frequently in three parts cut. Cf. half-cut, adj.
      64. suckey 1699
          (See quot. 1699.)
      65. well-oiled 1701–
          colloquial. (Very) tipsy; drunk. Also: characterized by or involving heavy drinking; drunken. Cf. well-lubricated at lubricated, adj. additions b.
      66. tipped a1708–
          Inclined, tilted; overturned, upset; †drunken (obsolete slang).
      67. tow-row 1709
          Intoxicated (? ‘drunk and disorderly’). slang. Obsolete.
      68. wet 1709–
          colloquial. Primed with liquor; more or less intoxicated. (Cf. wet, v. I.7b.)
      69. swash 1711–
          Soft; also, fuddled.
      70. strut 1718
          So full as to be swollen or distended. Also Scottish, intoxicated, ‘fou’. Also in combination strut-bellied adj.
      71. cocked 1737–
          colloquial (chiefly U.S.). Drunk; intoxicated.
      72. cockeyed 1737–
          Originally and chiefly North American. (Very) drunk; intoxicated. Cf. sense B
      73. jagged 1737–
          Drunk, intoxicated.
      74. moon-eyed 1737–
          slang (originally and chiefly U.S.). Intoxicated with drink; drunk. Now rare.
      75. rocky 1737–
          Of a person. Tipsy, drunk. Now rare.
      76. soaked 1737–
          Intoxicated. Frequently as second element of a compound.
      77. soft 1737–1929
          regional. Drunk, inebriated. Obsolete.
      78. stewed 1737–
          slang (originally U.S.). Drunk. Also in stewed to the ears (eyebrows, gills, etc.). Cf. pickled, adj. 2.
      79. stiff 1737–
          Intoxicated, drunk. Cf. B.4c. U.S. slang. rare.
      80. muckibus 1756
          Drunkenly sentimental or maudlin.
      81. groggy 1770–
          Intoxicated. Also, characterized by drinking habits, bibulous.
      82. corned 1785–
          slang. Intoxicated.
      83. befuddled 1787–
          Originally: having lost the ability to think clearly or rationally due to consumption of alcohol; drunk. Later more generally: bewildered, confused…
      84. muzzed a1788–
          Confused or befuddled, esp. from alcohol.
      85. muzzy a1795–
          Affected by alcohol; dazed or fuddled from drinking.
      86. slewed 1801–
          Intoxicated.
      87. lumpy 1810–
          slang. Intoxicated, drunk.
      88. lushy 1811–
          Intoxicated, drunk. Also (U.S.) as n., a drunkard.
      89. pissed 1812–
          Chiefly British. Drunk, intoxicated. Also with up.
      90. blue 1813–
          figurative (probably from sense A.I.2). slang (originally U.S.). Of a person: intoxicated, drunk. Now rare.
      91. half-shaved 1813–52
          Drunk, intoxicated; esp. moderately drunk, tipsy. Cf. half-cut, adj.
      92. in the wind 1813–
          slang. Originally Nautical. Drunk, intoxicated.
      93. lush 1819–
          (See quot. 1819.)
      94. malty 1819–47
          humorous. Fond of or affected by malt beer; tipsy. Obsolete.
      95. sprung 1821–
          slang. Drunk; intoxicated. Cf. well-sprung, adj. 1.
      96. obfuscated 1822–
          Of a person or his or her faculties: confused, bewildered; †amazed, flabbergasted (obsolete); (U.S. slang) spec. befuddled with alcohol, intoxicated…
      97. moppy 1823–
          slang, British regional, and Irish English. Drunk, tipsy. Cf. mop, n.⁴ 1c.
      98. ripe 1823–
          slang. Drunk. Cf. sense A.6c. Now rare.
      99. corny a1825–
          Intoxicated, tipsy; = corned, adj.¹ dialect.
      100. mixed 1825–93
           colloquial. Mentally confused, muddled; spec. (chiefly Scottish) somewhat befuddled with drink. Obsolete.
      101. toxified 1825–
           colloquial. Of a person: intoxicated; drunk. Now rare.
      102. queer 1826–
           Out of sorts; unwell; faint, giddy. Formerly also (slang): †sore, painful (obsolete); †drunk (obsolete).
      103. rosined 1828–
           English regional. Intoxicated, drunk.
      104. shot in the neck 1830–
           Transferred uses. slang. to shoot the cat: To vomit. shot in the neck (U.S.): drunk. to shoot one's grandmother (U.S.): see quot. 1855. to shoot the…
      105. tight 1830–
           Drunk; tipsy. Cf. screwed, adj. 5. slang.
      106. rummy 1834–
           Drunken, intoxicated; given to drinking.
      107. inebrious 1837–
           Inebriated, drunken; addicted to alcohol.
      108. mizzled 1840–
           Muddled, confused; intoxicated, drunk.
      109. obflisticated 1840
           = obfuscated, adj. 2.
      110. grogged 1842–
           Of persons: Overcome with grog; drunk.
      111. half-cut 1842–
           Drunk, intoxicated; esp. moderately drunk, tipsy. Cf. cut, adj. 5b.
      112. pickled 1842–
           figurative and in extended use. spec. colloquial. Drunk; drunken.
      113. swizzled 1843–
           Drunk, ‘sozzled’; influenced or induced by heavy drinking.
      114. hit under the wing 1844–
           hit under the wing (slang): intoxicated.
      115. obfusticated c1844–
           = obfuscated, adj. 2; (frequently) spec. befuddled by alcohol.
      116. ebriate 1847–
           Intoxicated; figurative.
      117. pixilated 1848–
           Chiefly U.S. regional. Slightly crazed; bewildered, confused; fey, whimsical; (also) intoxicated.
      118. boozed 1850–
           Intoxicated, drunk, fuddled. Also with up. Also transferred.
      119. ploughed 1853–
           slang (now chiefly U.S.). Drunk.
      120. squiffy?1855–
           Intoxicated; drunk.
      121. buffy 1858–
           Intoxicated, ‘squiffy’.
      122. elephant trunk 1859–
           Drunk, also elliptical.
      123. moccasined 1859–72
           U.S. slang. Drunk. Obsolete.
      124. scammered 1859–
           Intoxicated, drunk.
      125. gassed 1863–
           slang. Drunk; intoxicated.
      126. parlatic 1863–
           Extremely intoxicated; (hence also) unable to think or act rationally or coherently. See paralytic, adj. A.2c.
      127. fly-blown 1864–
           slang. Intoxicated, drunk.
      128. rotten 1864–
           colloquial. slang (originally and chiefly Australian). Drunk. Frequently in to get rotten.
      129. shot 1864–
           Drunk. slang (chiefly U.S., Australian, and New Zealand). Cf. shoot, v. IV.32d.
      130. ebriose 1871–
           Drunk.
      131. shicker 1872–
           Drunk; intoxicated.
      132. miraculous 1879–
           Scottish and English regional (northern). Under the influence of alcohol; drunk, inebriated.
      133. under the influence 1879–
           under the influence: affected by alcoholic liquor; intoxicated, drunk.
      134. charged 1880–
           colloquial (originally U.S.). Drunk; intoxicated, under the influence of drugs. Now frequently with up.
      135. ginned 1881–
           Drunk, intoxicated. Frequently with up.
      136. shickered 1883–
           Drunk; intoxicated.
      137. boiled 1886–
           Intoxicated. slang. Also as drunk as a boiled owl.
      138. mosy 1887–
           regional (chiefly English regional (midlands)). Confused, bewildered; out of sorts; fuddled through drinking alcohol; foolish, stupid.
      139. to be loaded for bear(s) 1888–
           to be loaded for bear(s), to be well prepared for an anticipated confrontation, opponent, emergency, etc.; to be ready for anything; also (jocular…
      140. squiffed a1890–
           Intoxicated, drunk.
      141. loaded 1890–
           U.S. slang. Drunk.
      142. oversparred 1890
           slang. Unsteady, as through intoxication. Obsolete.
      143. sozzled 1892–
           Intoxicated, drunk; drunken.
      144. tanked 1893–
           slang. Filled with (alcoholic) drink; intoxicated; occasionally transferred, drugged. Frequently with up. Also in tanked to the wide (cf. wide, n.)…
      145. orey-eyed 1895–
           Quite drunk, intoxicated (used esp. with reference to a person's appearance). Also: bleary-eyed.
      146. up the (also a) pole 1897–
           Drunk. Now rare.
      147. woozy 1897–
           Dizzy or unsteady as when fuddled with drink; muzzy; ‘dotty’.
      148. inked 1898–
           slang (Australian and New Zealand). Intoxicated, drunk. Now dated.
      149. toxic 1899
           Brought on by drinking alcohol; intoxicated. Obsolete.
      150. polluted 1900–
           slang (originally U.S.). Intoxicated, drunk; (also) under the influence of drugs.
      151. tin-hatted 1901–
           Nautical slang. = tin hats, adj. Cf. tin hat, n. A.2, tin hat, adj. Now rare.
      152. lit-up 1902–
           slang. Drunk, intoxicated; under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Cf. lit, adj.¹ 3.
      153. on (also upon) one's ear 1903–
           slang. on (also upon) one's ear: drunk.
      154. pie-eyed 1903–
           Intoxicated with drink or drugs (originally with the implication of distorted vision).
      155. pifflicated 1905–
           Drunk, intoxicated.
      156. piped 1906–
           U.S. slang. Drunk, intoxicated; under the influence of drugs. Chiefly in predicative use. Cf. as drunk as a piper at piper, n.¹ phrases P.2.
      157. spiflicated 1906–
           Intoxicated, drunk.
      158. jingled 1908–
           Intoxicated, fuddled.
      159. skimished 1908–
           Drunk.
      160. tin hat 1909–
           slang (chiefly Nautical). = tin hats, adj. Cf. sense A.2, tin-hatted, adj. 1. rare.
      161. canned 1910–
           slang. Drunk; intoxicated.
      162. tin hats 1910–
           Drunk. Only in predicative use. Cf. tin hat, adj., tin-hatted, adj. 1.
      163. pipped 1911–
           Drunk, intoxicated.
      164. lit 1912–
           slang. Drunk, intoxicated; under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
      165. peloothered 1914–
           Drunk, intoxicated.
      166. molo 1916–
           Drunk, intoxicated.
      167. shick 1916–
           = shicker, adj.
      168. zigzag 1916–
           Military slang (chiefly U.S.). Drunk. Now rare.
      169. blotto 1917–
           Fuddled with liquor, intoxicated.
      170. oiled-up 1918–
           slang. Drunk; tipsy; = oiled, adj. 2.
      171. stung 1919–
           Australian slang. Drunk. Cf. stunned, adj. 2.
      172. stunned 1919–
           Australian and New Zealand slang. Drunk. Cf. stung, adj. 2.
      173. bottled 1922–
           slang. Drunk; intoxicated.
      174. potted 1922–
           Originally and chiefly North American slang. Under the influence of alcohol; drunk, intoxicated.
      175. rotto 1922–
           Extremely drunk. Cf. rotten, adj. A.II.9b, blotto, adj.
      176. puggled 1923–
           Exhausted, in a state of collapse; (also) wildly drunk.
      177. puggle 1925–
           Military. Unable to think rationally or coherently; crazy. Cf. slightly earlier puggled, adj. Now rare.
      178. fried 1926–
           Drunk. slang.
      179. crocked 1927–
           Drunk; intoxicated.
      180. fluthered 1927–
           Drunk, intoxicated.
      181. lubricated 1927–
           slang. Affected by drink; inebriated, drunk (frequently in well-lubricated). Cf. oiled, adj. 2.
      182. whiffled 1927–
           Intoxicated, drunk.
      183. liquefied 1928–
           jocular. Intoxicated by drink.
      184. steamed 1929–
           With up. Drunk, intoxicated. Rarely without up. slang.
      185. mirack c1930–
           = miraculous, adj. A.4.
      186. overshot 1931–
           slang. Drunk, intoxicated. Cf. overshoot, v. I.3b.
      187. swacked 1932–
           Drunk, intoxicated.
      188. looped 1934–
           Intoxicated, drunk. slang (chiefly U.S.).
      189. stocious 1937–
           Drunk, intoxicated.
      190. whistled 1938–
           Drunk, (mildly) intoxicated. slang (originally Military).
      191. sauced 1939–
           slang (originally U.S.). Intoxicated, drunk. Also (and earliest) in sauced up. Cf. sauce, n. II.6a.
      192. in the bag 1940–
           U.S. slang. Drunk; intoxicated. half in the bag: moderately drunk.
      193. mashed 1942–
           slang. Drunk. Later also: under the influence of drugs.
      194. plonked 1943–
           Intoxicated, drunk. Also with up.
      195. stone 1945–
           As adj., excited; intoxicated with drink or drugs, ‘stoned’. U.S. slang. rare.
      196. juiced 1946–
           Drunk. Also const. up. slang.
      197. buzzed 1952–
           slang (originally U.S.). Intoxicated or ‘high’ on alcohol or drugs; excited, thrilled, stimulated. Cf. buzz, n.¹ 2b.
      198. jazzed 1955–
           In extended use. Frequently with up. North American colloquial. Of a person: excited, enthusiastic; (also) stimulated; intoxicated by alcohol or…
      199. schnockered 1955–
           Drunk.
      200. bombed 1956–
           slang. Of a person: intoxicated by alcohol or drugs; drunk, inebriated; high; (occasionally also) exhausted. Chiefly in predicative use, esp. in to…
      201. honkers 1957–
           Drunk.
      202. skunked 1958–
           Drunk, intoxicated. In later use also: under the influence of marijuana (cf. skunk, n. 3). Chiefly in predicative use.
      203. bombed-out 1959–
           figurative. Of a person: intoxicated or incapacitated as a result of drinking alcohol or taking drugs; inebriated; drunk; high. Occasionally also…
      204. zonked 1959–
           Intoxicated by drugs or alcohol; ‘stoned’. Frequently const. out. Also transferred and figurative.
      205. bevvied 1960–
           Drunk, intoxicated.
      206. mokus 1960–
           Drunk. Also: depressed.
      207. Mozart and Liszt 1961–
           Drunk, intoxicated; = Brahms and Liszt, adj.
      208. snockered 1961–
           Drunk, intoxicated. Cf. schnockered, adj.
      209. plotzed 1962–
           Intoxicated; drunk.
      210. over the limit 1966–
           over the limit: exceeding or having exceeded a stated bound or point, esp. a restriction on speed or the amount of alcohol in the blood when driving.
      211. wasted 1968–
           Intoxicated (from drink or drugs). Chiefly used outside the U.K.
      212. wired 1970–
           In extended use. Of a person. colloquial. Intoxicated or ‘high’ on drugs, esp. so as to become hyper or overstimulated. Hence: in a state of nervous…
      213. zoned 1971–
           slang (originally and chiefly U.S.). Also with out. Of a person: intoxicated by drugs or alcohol; (in extended use) characteristic of a person in…
      214. blasted 1972–
           Under the influence of drugs or alcohol, intoxicated. Cf. blast, v. I.6(b) slang (chiefly U.S.).
      215. Brahms and Liszt 1972–
           Drunk, intoxicated. Cf. Mozart and Liszt, adj.
      216. funked up 1976–
           Of a person: excited, thrilled, esp. by music; (sometimes also) stimulated; intoxicated by alcohol or drugs (sometimes perhaps as a euphemistic…
      217. trousered 1977–
           slang (chiefly British and Irish English). Drunk, intoxicated. Frequently in to get trousered.
      218. motherless 1980–
           South African slang. Drunk; intoxicated.
      219. tired and emotional 1981–
           tired and emotional: jocular euphemism for ‘drunk’.
      220. ratted 1982–
           British slang. Drunk, intoxicated. Chiefly in to get ratted. Cf. rat-arsed, adj.
      221. rat-arsed 1984–
           Drunk, intoxicated; = ratted, adj.³
      222. wazzed 1990–
           Drunk; = pissed, adj. 2.
      223. mullered 1993–
           Drunk, extremely intoxicated.
      224. twatted 1993–
           Drunk; intoxicated with alcohol or drugs.
      225. bollocksed 1994–
           Drunk; intoxicated by alcohol or drugs.
      226. lashed 1996–
           British slang. Drunk, intoxicated. Cf. on the lash at lash, n.¹ additions.
      227. barley-sick
           Intoxicated.
      View in Historical Thesaurus
3. adverb
   1. 1754–
      In a zigzag manner or direction.
      1. 1754

         > It is almost incredible..how nimbly they skip,..turning Zic Zac to such Places as are passable.

         E. Burt, Letters N. Scotland vol. II. xx. 132
      2. 1765

         > The lightening is observed to run not in strait line, but zig zag.

         R. Veicht in Philosophical Transactions 1764 (Royal Society) vol. 54 287
      3. 1846

         > When he ignites a rocket, it may go straight forward, or zig-zag.

         W. Greener, Science of Gunnery (new edition) 244
      4. 1862

         > The road..led zig~zag up the side of a precipitous mountain.

         H. Beveridge, Comprehensive History of India vol. III. viii. iv. 374
      1. zigzag 1754–
         In a zigzag manner or direction.
      2. ziggety 1935–
         adj. & adv. = zigzag, adj., zigzag, adv. Also reduplicated, as ziggety-zaggety.
      View in Historical Thesaurus
      1. about Old English–
         In rotation or revolution; round in a circular course. Now rare except in figurative use with verbs.
      2. abouts a1387–
         = about, adv. (in various senses). Cf. nearabouts, adv.
      3. windingly 1626
         In a winding or meandering manner; with twists and turns.
      4. zigzag 1754–
         In a zigzag manner or direction.
      5. mazily 1845–
         In a confused or convoluted manner; as if in a maze.
      6. zag 1906–
         Used to express a movement or direction inclined at an angle to that indicated by zig, v.
      7. zigzaggedly 1921–
      View in Historical Thesaurus

## Pronunciation

### British English

/ˈzɪɡzaɡ/
ZIG-zag

### U.S. English

/ˈzɪɡˌzæɡ/
ZIG-zag

####

##### Consonants

- ppea
- ttea
- kkey
- bbuy
- ddye
- ɡguy
- tʃchore
- dʒjay
- ffore
- θthaw
- ssore
- ʃshore
- vvee
- ðthee
- zzee
- ʒbeige
- xloch
- hhay
- llay
- ɬrhingyll
- rray
- wway
- jyore
- mmay
- nnay
- ŋsing

Some consonants can take the function of the vowel in unstressed syllables. Where necessary, a syllabic marker diacritic is used, hence /ˈpɛtl/ but /ˈpɛtl̩i/.

##### Vowels

- iːfleece
- ihappy
- ɪkit
- ɛdress
- atrap, bath
- ɑːstart, palm, bath
- ɒlot
- ɔːthought, force
- ʌstrut
- ʊfoot
- uːgoose
- əletter
- əːnurse
- ɪənear
- ɛːsquare
- ʊəcure
- eɪface
- ʌɪpride
- aʊmouth
- əʊgoat
- ɔɪvoice
- ãgratin
- ɒ̃salon
- ᵻ(/ɪ/-/ə/)
- ᵿ(/ʊ/-/ə/)

##### Other symbols

- The symbol ˈ at the beginning of a syllable indicates that that syllable is pronounced with primary stress.
- The symbol ˌ at the beginning of a syllable indicates that that syllable is pronounced with secondary stress.
- Round brackets ( ) in a transcription indicate that the symbol within the brackets is optional.

View the pronunciation model here.

####

##### Consonants

- ppea
- ttea
- kkey
- bbuy
- ddye*
- ɡguy
- tʃchore
- dʒjay
- ffore
- θthaw
- ssore
- ʃshore
- vvee
- ðthee
- zzee
- ʒbeige
- xloch
- hhay
- llay
- rray
- wway
- jyore
- mmay
- nnay
- ŋsing

* /d/ also represents a 'tapped' /t/ as in

Some consonants can take the function of the vowel in unstressed syllables. Where necessary, a syllabic marker diacritic is used, hence /ˈpɛd(ə)l/ but /ˈpɛdl̩i/.

##### Vowels

- ifleece, happy
- ɪkit
- ɛdress
- ætrap, bath
- ɑlot, palm, cloth, thought
- ɑrstart
- ɔcloth, thought
- ɔrnorth, force
- ʊfoot
- ugoose
- əstrut, comma
- ərnurse, letter
- ɪ(ə)rnear
- ɛ(ə)rsquare
- ʊ(ə)rcure
- eɪface
- aɪpride
- aʊmouth
- oʊgoat
- ɔɪvoice
- ɑ̃gratin
- æ̃salon
- ᵻ(/ɪ/-/ə/)
- ᵿ(/ʊ/-/ə/)

##### Other symbols

- The symbol ˈ at the beginning of a syllable indicates that that syllable is pronounced with primary stress.
- The symbol ˌ at the beginning of a syllable indicates that that syllable is pronounced with secondary stress.
- Round brackets ( ) in a transcription indicate that the symbol within the brackets is optional.

View the pronunciation model here.

####

Simple text respell breaks words into syllables, separated by a hyphen. The syllable which carries the primary stress is written in capital letters. This key covers both British and U.S. English Simple Text Respell.

##### Consonants

b, d, f, h, k, l, m, n, p, r, s, t, v, w and z have their standard English values

- gguy
- jjay
- yyore
- chchore
- khloch
- shshore
- ththaw
- dhthee
- zhbeige

##### Vowels

- atrap
- ahpalm
- airsquare
- arstart
- arrcarry (British only)
- awthought
- ayface
- a(ng)gratin
- edress
- eefleece
- eerdeer
- errmerry
- ikit
- ighpride
- irrmirror
- olot (British only)
- ohgoat
- oogoose
- oorcure
- orforce
- orrsorry (British only)
- owmouth
- oyvoice
- o(ng)salon
- ustrut
- uhletter
- urnurse
- urrhurry
- uufoot

## Forms

### Variant forms

Also as two words or with hyphen; also 1700s zic-zac, zigzac(k, ziczag.

## Frequency

zigzag typically occurs about once per million words in modern written English.

zigzag is in frequency band 5, which contains words occurring between 1 and 10 times per million words in modern written English. More about OED's frequency bands

Frequency data is computed programmatically, and should be regarded as an estimate.

### Frequency of zigzag, n., adj., & adv., 1750–2010

* Occurrences per million words in written English

Historical frequency series are derived from Google Books Ngrams (version 2), a data set based on the Google Books corpus of several million books printed in English between 1500 and 2010.

The overall frequency for a given word is calculated by summing frequencies for the main form of the word, any plural or inflected forms, and any major spelling variations.

For sets of homographs (distinct entries that share the same word-form, e.g. mole, n.¹, mole, n.², mole, n.³, etc.), we have estimated the frequency of each homograph entry as a fraction of the total Ngrams frequency for the word-form. This may result in inaccuracies.

Smoothing has been applied to series for lower-frequency words, using a moving-average algorithm. This reduces short-term fluctuations, which may be produced by variability in the content of the Google Books corpus.

Decade | Frequency per million words
--- | ---
1750 | 0.078
1760 | 0.13
1770 | 0.18
1780 | 0.22
1790 | 0.33
1800 | 0.48
1810 | 0.64
1820 | 0.76
1830 | 0.91
1840 | 1.2
1850 | 1.5
1860 | 1.7
1870 | 1.9
1880 | 1.9
1890 | 2.0
1900 | 2.0
1910 | 1.9
1920 | 1.8
1930 | 1.7
1940 | 1.6
1950 | 1.4
1960 | 1.3
1970 | 1.2
1980 | 1.1
1990 | 1.1
2000 | 1.1
2010 | 1.1

### Frequency of zigzag, n., adj., & adv., 2017–2024

* Occurrences per million words in written English

Modern frequency series are derived from a corpus of 20 billion words, covering the period from 2017 to the present. The corpus is mainly compiled from online news sources, and covers all major varieties of World English.

Smoothing has been applied to series for lower-frequency words, using a moving-average algorithm. This reduces short-term fluctuations, which may be produced by variability in the content of the corpus.

Period | Frequency per million words
--- | ---
2017 | 0.18
2018 | 0.18
2019 | 0.2
2020 | 0.21
2021 | 0.22
2022 | 0.23
2023 | 0.23
2024 | 0.23

## Compounds & derived words

Sort by

1. zigzaggery, n. 1761–
   Zigzag course or proceeding (literal and figurative).

1. zigzagged, adj. 1774–
   Having a zigzag form or marking.

1. zigzag, v. 1777–
   To cause to move in a zigzag direction; reflexive = 1.

1. zag, n., adv., & v. 1793–
   Used to express a movement or direction inclined…

1. zigzag trefoil, n. 1796–
   Trifolium medium.

1. zigzaggy, adj. a1845–
   Characterized by zigzags or short sharp turns at…

1. zigzag connection, n. 1922–
   A form of star connection of three-phase…

1. zigzag machine, n. 1952–
   A sewing machine with a swing needle that may be…

1. zig, v. 1969–
   intransitive. To make a movement or direction…

1. C.1.
   1758–
   zigzag-shaped adj.; zigzag fashion, zigzag-wise quasi-adverbs.
   1. 1758

      > A Way very commodious cut, Zigzag Fashion.

      O. Goldsmith, translation of J. Marteilhe, Memoirs of Protestant vol. II. 129
   2. 1846

      > The interline is zigzag shaped.

      F. Brittan, translation of J. F. Malgaigne, Manual of Operative Surgery 236
   3. 1877

      > Its joints are bent zig-zag-wise.

      T. H. Huxley & H. N. Martin, Course of Elementary Biology (ed. 4) 26
   1. indented a1616–
      Having a serrated or zigzag figure, direction, or course, as a line, wall, moulding, path, etc.; constructed with salient and re-entrant angles…
   2. zigzag 1752–
      Having the form of a zigzag; turning sharply at angles in alternate directions; characterized by turns of this kind.
   3. zigzagged 1774–
      Having a zigzag form or marking.
   4. zigzaggy a1845–
      Characterized by zigzags or short sharp turns at alternate angles.
   5. zigzag-shaped 1846–
      zigzag-shaped adj.; zigzag fashion, zigzag-wise quasi-adverbs.
   6. chevrony 1887–
      gen. Formed of chevrons, zigzag.
   View in Historical Thesaurus
2. C.2.
   1. zigzag connection, n. 1922–
      A form of star connection of three-phase…
   1. zigzag machine, n. 1952–
      A sewing machine with a swing needle that may be…

zigzag, n., adj., & adv. was first published in 1921; not fully revised.

zigzag, n., adj., & adv. was last modified in December 2024.