First published 1921; not fully revised
zigzag noun , adjective , & adverb 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
Entry status OED is undergoing a continuous programme of revision to modernize and improve definitions. This entry has not yet been fully revised.
About 1 occurrence 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
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 Ziehl, n. 1892– Ziehl-Neelsen, n. 1892– ziff, n. 1917– ZIFT, n. 1988– zig, n. 1978– zig, v. 1969– Zigeuner, n. & adj. 1802– Zigeunerin, n. 1845–83 ziggety, int., adj., & adv. 1924– ziggurat, n. 1873– zigzag, n., adj., & adv. 1712– zigzag, v. 1777– zigzag connection, n. 1922– zigzagged, adj. 1774– zigzaggery, n. 1761– zigzaggy, adj. a1845– zigzag machine, n. 1952– zigzag trefoil, n. 1796– zig-zig, n. 1918– Zika, n. 1952– Zilavka, n. 1926– 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… Show more
< 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 ).
Show less
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 ).
1712
Steps of Grass laid in Zic-Zac . J. James , translation of A.-J. Dézallier d'Argenville, Theory & Practice of Gardening 42
1712
Chevrons, or Checks of Grass in Zig-Zac . J. James , translation of A.-J. Dézallier d'Argenville, Theory & Practice of Gardening 215
1728
An Alley in Ziczac , is that which has too great a Descent. E. Chambers , Cyclopædia at Alley
1822
The larger tubercles placed in zig-zag . J. Parkinson , Outline Oryctology 139
1892
Entering by the beautiful Gate of Justice, and winding in zigzag through the thickness of the tower. E. Reeves , Homeward Bound 299
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
1830
Twisted into a serpent, or bent into a zig-zag . M. Donovan , Domestic Economy vol. I. vii. 235
1856
The other 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
1871
Terminating with a turquoise zig-zag . A. Nesbitt , Catalogue Slade Collection of Glass 6
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
1884
The hieroglyphic use of the zigzag , for water, by the Egyptians. J. Ruskin , Pleasures Eng. (1885) iii. §87. 121
▶ more ▼ less A series of short lines inclined at angles in alternate directions; a line or course having sharp turns of this kind; concrete something…
1.b.
1743–
Each of such lines or turns: chiefly in plural .
1743
Nonsense precipitate, like running Lead, That slip'd thro' Cracks and Zig-zags of the Head. A. Pope , Dunciad (revised edition) i. 124
1775
A winding road, which forms thirteen zig-zags . R. Twiss , Travels Portugal & Spain 64
1833
A cap, laced and ribanded in all manner of zig-zags . L. Ritchie , Wanderings by Loire 182
a 1861
The lightning zigzags shoot across the sky. A. H. Clough , Poems & Prose Remains (1869) vol. II. 291
1865
The button made many a zigzag from side to side of the table. G. MacDonald , Alec Forbes lxxiv
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
▶ more ▼ less Each of such lines or turns: chiefly in plural .
1.c.
1782–
figurative .
1782
Though such continual zigzags in a book, Such drunken reelings have an aukward look. W. Cowper , Conversation in Poems 255
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
1816
The little zigzags of embarrassment. J. Austen , Emma vol. I. xv. 282
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
▶ more ▼ less 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.
a 1745
How proudly he talks Of zigzacks and walks. J. Swift , My Lady's Lament. in Works (1765) vol. VIII. ii. 184
1848
I thread the doubtful zig-zags of May Fair. W. M. Thackeray , Book of Snobs vi. 24
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
1890
Many years before the Zig Zag was chopped out of the sidelings. ‘R. Boldrewood’ , Colonial Reformer xiii
▶ more ▼ less 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…
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…
3.
Applied spec. to other things of a zigzag shape.
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.
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
1834
The zig-zags may often require a greater relief than the parallels. J. S. Macaulay , Treatise on Field Fortification 223
▶ more ▼ less Military . In a siege: a trench (usually one of three) that lies alongside and equidistant to the face of the fortification under siege, providing…
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.
A sap , n.³ , or trench of approach, with a single parapet.
Applied spec. to other things of a zigzag shape. Fortification . A trench leading towards a besieged place, constructed in a zigzag direction so as…
3.b.
1814–
Architecture . A chevron-moulding.
1814
The dancette, as the figure is termed in heraldry, or zig-zag . W. Scott , Border Antiquities vol. I. 59
1826
The chevron or zig zag , that favorite British ornament so prominent in Egyptian remains. W. A. Miles , Description of Deverel Barrow 4
1884
The Norman zigzag . J. Ruskin , Pleasures Eng. (1885) iii. §87. 119
▶ more ▼ less In stonework: a plain convex moulding; (also occasionally) a shaft forming part of a clustered pillar. Cf. torus , n. 1.
Chiefly Architecture . Moulding used as a crowning decoration. Also: the uppermost horizontal member of a building or other structure. Obsolete .
A sculpture, moulding, etc., in bas-relief.
Architecture . A moulding of the astragal species.
A small band, streak, or fillet; in Architecture a small flat moulding encompassing a column.
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…
a. The plinth or socle of a podium. b. A platband or fillet, esp. one above or below the scotia in an Ionic base.
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 …
A border or moulding immediately above the base or lower panelling of a wainscoted room; also, = chair rail , n.
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…
Architecture . A flat, unmoulded fascia or string course, forming a horizontal band along a wall, a border around a window, etc.
Architecture . Any of various mouldings or other structural components more or less resembling an eyebrow (sense 1a), esp. in being long and thin…
In various special or technical senses. Architecture . A square moulding; an abacus. Obsolete .
Architecture . (See quots.)
Architecture . A rib or moulding on a vault. Obsolete . rare .
Architecture and Joinery . A cornice moulding with an S-shaped cross section, with the upper part convex and the lower part concave; a cyma…
a. Ornamental work with beads; also attributive ; so bead-worked adj.; b. bead moulding (bead , n. II.5).
A moulding, used esp. in Norman architecture, ornamented with two series of parallel incisions crossing each other.
A moulding with a quirk or groove.
Architecture . A type of moulding carved with a continuous series of figures representing stars; = star moulding , n. Also: a figure representing a…
A moulding ornamented with two series of parallel incisions crossing each other; a hatched moulding.
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…
(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 …
A moulding made in imitation of the pattern of a rope.
Applied spec. to other things of a zigzag shape. Architecture . A chevron-moulding.
An ornamental moulding of a zigzag pattern.
A moulding of a wavy or serpentine form. Also in extended use.
Architecture . An ornamental moulding used in Norman architecture, consisting of short cylindrical pieces placed lengthwise at regular intervals…
A type of cylindrical moulding featuring a semicircular section.
A moulding that crowns an architectural feature or piece of furniture; (now esp. ) an ornamental moulding around the wall of a room, just below…
A moulding at the bottom of an interior wall.
Architecture . A zigzag or chevron moulding.
A moulding ornamented with small hemispherical discs.
Architecture a type of moulding (moulding , n.¹ 2a) carved with a continuous series of figures representing stars, typically associated with Norman…
attributive in various senses, as vignette head , vignette moulding , vignette view , etc.
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…
Architecture . An ornament shaped like a bird's beak used in Norman mouldings.
A bead moulding or edge line. spec. in Architecture and Joinery , a bead; also collectively, the beads of a moulding. attributive , as beading plane =…
†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…
3.c.
a1877–
Fisheries . (See quot.)
a 1877
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
▶ more ▼ less 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.
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.
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 …
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…
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…
A fish ladder for salmon; also, transferred ‘a contrivance used in the chemical treatment of sewage’ (Cent. Dict. ).
Applied spec. to other things of a zigzag shape. Fisheries . (See quot.)
4.
1815–
Collectors' name for a shell, or a moth, with zigzag marking.
1815
Zigzag , Cypræa Ziczac . S. Brookes , Introduction Conchology 157
▶ more ▼ less 5.
1909–
(Zig-Zag noun (also Zig Zag ) .) A proprietary name for cigarette paper.
1909
Braunstein & Cie, Paris... Zig Zag ... Cigarette-paper. Official Gazette (U.S. Patent Office) 14 December 594/1
1927
Zig-zag No. 114... Cigarette papers. Société anonyme des anciens Établissements Braustein Frères.., Paris. Trade Marks Journal 13 April 675
1968
Zig-zag , paper of high quality which is commonly used in rolling marijuana. Current Slang (University South Dakota) Fall 52
1977
She stuffed her..Zig Zags back into her purse. C. McFadden , Serial (1978) xxx. 67/1
▶ more ▼ less Paper or a paper in which cigarettes or a cigarette is rolled.
(Zig-Zag n. also Zig Zag .) A proprietary name for cigarette paper.
Short for cigarette paper , n.
A proprietary name for: a type of cigarette paper. Also more widely: any cigarette paper.
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…
A cigarette paper. Australian and New Zealand slang .
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…
1.a.
1752–
Having the form of a zigzag; turning sharply at angles in alternate directions; characterized by turns of this kind.
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
1769
Flashes of forked, or zig-zag lightning. W. Hamilton in Philosophical Transactions 1768 (Royal Society) vol. 58 11
1785
He..transforms old print To zig-zag manuscript. W. Cowper , Task ii. 364
1792
Up from the lake a zigzag path will creep. W. Wordsworth , Descriptive Sketches 236
1836
Away jogs the boat in a zigzag direction. C. Dickens , Sketches by Boz 1st Series vol. II. 187
1860
A kind of zigzag channel had been worn on the side of the mountain. J. Tyndall , Glaciers of Alps i. ii. 11
figurative 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
1861
The old joke of the zigzag jury who said ‘Guilty’ and ‘Not guilty’ alternately, all through the assizes. J. Pycroft , Ways & Words 192
1863
All the brood of zig-zag politicians. C. Cowden Clarke , Shakespeare-characters vi. 145
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
▶ more ▼ less Having a serrated or zigzag figure, direction, or course, as a line, wall, moulding, path, etc.; constructed with salient and re-entrant angles…
Having the form of a zigzag; turning sharply at angles in alternate directions; characterized by turns of this kind.
Having a zigzag form or marking.
Characterized by zigzags or short sharp turns at alternate angles.
zigzag-shaped adj. ; zigzag fashion , zigzag-wise quasi-adverbs.
gen. Formed of chevrons, zigzag.
Moving with twists and turns; making sinuous or meandering movements. Also of movement or activity: involving twists and turns; sinuous; meandering.
That moves in a twisting, maze-like course. Obsolete . rare .
Having the form of a zigzag; turning sharply at angles in alternate directions; characterized by turns of this kind.
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…
1.b.
1765–
Architecture . Applied to a moulding or other ornament of a zigzag pattern: cf.
A.3b .
1765
The chevron work (or zig-zag moulding). T. Gray , Letter in Correspondence (1971) vol. II. 864
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
1840
Columns of green basalt, with fantastic zigzag ornaments. C. Wordsworth , Greece 58
▶ more ▼ less Ornamented with or sculpted into bowtells.
Having bolection moulding.
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…
Architecture . Applied to a moulding or other ornament of a zigzag pattern: cf. A.3b.
Architecture . Furnished with or having a quirk (quirk , n.¹ II.9).
Chiefly Architecture and Joinery . Decorated or ornamented with reedings (reeding , n. 2a). See also reed , n.¹ III.14.
A moulding of a wavy or serpentine form. Also in extended use.
Architecture . Of a moulding: ornamented with studs (stud , n.¹ III.6c). Now rare .
gen. Formed like a nail head; having a head like that of a nail.
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.
Having a central dorsal ridge; carinate.
1.c.
1793–
Botany . Applied to the stem of a plant, or to a plant having such a stem.
1793
Zigzag , used by some English writers for Flexuose . T. Martyn , Language of Botany sig. Y2
1796
Zigzag Ladies smock. W. Withering , Arrangement of British Plants (ed. 3) vol. III. 579
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
▶ more ▼ less Horticulture . Of a shoot or stem: disproportionately or excessively long, thick, or bulky. Also of a plant: exhibiting vigorous or luxuriant growth.
Botany . Applied to the stem of a plant, or to a plant having such a stem.
Of a plant: having a disproportionately long stem.
Having a long foot or stalk.
2.
1785–
Having zigzag markings. (Chiefly Natural History .)
1785
Zigzag Bittern. J. Latham , General Synopsis of Birds vol. III. i. 61
1796
Zigzag chama, Venus castrensis . P. A. Nemnich , Allgemeines Polyglotten-Lexicon 946
▶ more ▼ less Of woodwork: Grained; marked. Obsolete .
Having a zigzag form or marking.
Having zigzag markings. (Chiefly Natural History .)
Ornamented with sinuous or wavy lines or markings of a specified colour.
3.
1916–
Military slang (chiefly U.S. ). Drunk. Now rare .
1916
A Tommy went over to Arques Beaucoup zigzag and out for a larques. Gasper (18th, 19th, 20th, & 21st Royal Fusiliers) 29 April
1917
She..replied with emotion 'Bosch officier, no ben, plenty zig-zag' . B.E.F. Times 10 April 3/1
1918
He got a trifle zig-zag . in C. Hamilton & L. Corbin, Echoes from over There (1919) 125
1923
He groped and floundered..not completely ‘zigzag ’. E. Paul , Impromptu ii. 149
1965
I wanted to stay zigzag , but the silliness was out of me. S. Linakis , In Spring War Ended i. 24
▶ more ▼ less Overcome by liquor; intoxicated; = drunk , adj.
Drunk, overcome with drink.
= cup-shot , adj. , being the earlier form.
That has drunk intoxicating liquor to an extent which affects steady self-control; intoxicated, inebriated; overcome by alcoholic liquor. The degree…
Inebriated, drunken; intoxicated (literal and figurative ). Often construed as past participle .
Drunk, intoxicated. Frequently in overseen with drink (also wine, etc.) . Obsolete (British regional in later use).
With reference to intoxicating effect. disguised with liquor = disguised , adj. 6.in liquor : in a state of intoxication. to be (the) worse for liquor …
Drunk, intoxicated. Cf. full , adj. A.3d.i.
Drunken, intoxicated. Of liquor: intoxicating.
Drunk, intoxicated. See also fou , adj. colloquial in later use.
In a state of intoxication as a result of drinking alcohol, taking drugs, etc.; = intoxicated , adj. 3a. Now rare .
In a state of intoxication as a result of drinking alcohol, taking drugs, etc.; drunk.
†a. adj. Drunken; b. n. (also whip-the-cat ), a tailor or other workman who whips the cat.
Full of, or inspired by, alcohol.
Overcome with liquor, intoxicated.
Said of a person in the second of the proverbial four stages of drunkenness, thought to be characterized by violent and quarrelsome behaviour.
Chiefly English regional (northern ) and Scottish . Slightly intoxicated or exhilarated by drink. Now rare .
spec. Intoxicating alcoholic beverage. Hence in various phrases: Indulgence to excess in intoxicating liquor; habits of intemperance, drunkenness. in …
Intoxicated; drunk, tipsy. archaic slang .
a. Wet with dew, drizzling rain, or a sprinkling of anything. b. slang . Drunk.
Intoxicated, drunk. Cf. pot-shot , adj.
‘Fettered’ by drink, drunk.
Excited by alcoholic drink, drunk, intoxicated. Also in extended use.
Intoxicated, drunk, stupefied.
plural . The drinking of intoxicating liquor; potations, drunken revelry. in one's cups : †(a) While drinking, during a drinking-bout (also †amidst, a …
a. Drunk, intoxicated; b. (of a plant) pot-bound; cramped or starved of nutrient.
Excited (originally with reference to the attendant increase in bodily heat). slang . Drunk, tipsy.
In such a state of intoxication as to be likely to stagger or reel. Cf. reeling drunk at reeling , adv.
in one's (or the) pots : (while) drunk. Cf. in one's cups at cup , n. II.10.
Exceedingly great or intense; brought to a high pitch, elevated; elated. Formerly also: †intoxicated, drunk; cf. high , adj. A.III.19a (obsolete ).
Overpowered by drink; intoxicated, drunk.
Immoderately fond of drinking alcohol; habitually drunk.
Drunken, intoxicated; given to, characterized by, or proceeding from drunkenness; intoxicating.
slang . cut in the leg (also cut in the back ): drunk, intoxicated. Obsolete .
In thieves' cant: Good. bene bowse n. good drink. bene-bowsie adj.
Filled with liquor, inebriated, drunken.
slang . Drunk, intoxicated. Obsolete . rare .
Soaked, saturated; intoxicated.
Of or pertaining to a flagon.
Intoxicated; also, muddled.
Intoxicated, slightly drunk.
euphemistic . Having had too much to drink; the worse for drink; drunk. Frequently in concerned with (also in) drink (also liquor) . Now rare .
slang . Chiefly British . Drunk, intoxicated. Now frequently in three parts cut . Cf. half-cut , adj.
colloquial . (Very) tipsy; drunk. Also: characterized by or involving heavy drinking; drunken. Cf. well-lubricated at lubricated , adj. additions b.
Inclined, tilted; overturned, upset; †drunken (obsolete slang ).
Intoxicated (? ‘drunk and disorderly’). slang . Obsolete .
colloquial . Primed with liquor; more or less intoxicated. (Cf. wet , v. I.7b.)
So full as to be swollen or distended. Also Scottish , intoxicated, ‘fou’. Also in combination strut-bellied adj.
colloquial (chiefly U.S. ). Drunk; intoxicated.
Originally and chiefly North American . (Very) drunk; intoxicated. Cf. sense B
slang (originally and chiefly U.S. ). Intoxicated with drink; drunk. Now rare .
Of a person. Tipsy, drunk. Now rare .
Intoxicated. Frequently as second element of a compound.
regional . Drunk, inebriated. Obsolete .
slang (originally U.S. ). Drunk. Also in stewed to the ears (eyebrows, gills, etc.) . Cf. pickled , adj. 2.
Intoxicated, drunk. Cf. B.4c. U.S. slang . rare .
Drunkenly sentimental or maudlin.
Intoxicated. Also, characterized by drinking habits, bibulous.
Originally: having lost the ability to think clearly or rationally due to consumption of alcohol; drunk. Later more generally: bewildered, confused…
Confused or befuddled, esp. from alcohol.
Affected by alcohol; dazed or fuddled from drinking.
slang . Intoxicated, drunk.
Intoxicated, drunk. Also (U.S. ) as n. , a drunkard.
Chiefly British . Drunk, intoxicated. Also with up .
figurative (probably from sense A.I.2). slang (originally U.S. ). Of a person: intoxicated, drunk. Now rare .
Drunk, intoxicated; esp. moderately drunk, tipsy. Cf. half-cut , adj.
slang . Originally Nautical . Drunk, intoxicated.
humorous . Fond of or affected by malt beer; tipsy. Obsolete .
slang . Drunk; intoxicated. Cf. well-sprung , adj. 1.
Of a person or his or her faculties: confused, bewildered; †amazed, flabbergasted (obsolete ); (U.S. slang ) spec. befuddled with alcohol, intoxicated…
slang , British regional , and Irish English . Drunk, tipsy. Cf. mop , n.⁴ 1c.
slang . Drunk. Cf. sense A.6c. Now rare .
Intoxicated, tipsy; = corned , adj.¹ dialect .
colloquial . Mentally confused, muddled; spec. (chiefly Scottish ) somewhat befuddled with drink. Obsolete .
colloquial . Of a person: intoxicated; drunk. Now rare .
Out of sorts; unwell; faint, giddy. Formerly also (slang ): †sore, painful (obsolete ); †drunk (obsolete ).
English regional . Intoxicated, drunk.
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 …
Drunk; tipsy. Cf. screwed , adj. 5. slang .
Drunken, intoxicated; given to drinking.
Inebriated, drunken; addicted to alcohol.
Muddled, confused; intoxicated, drunk.
Of persons: Overcome with grog; drunk.
Drunk, intoxicated; esp. moderately drunk, tipsy. Cf. cut , adj. 5b.
figurative and in extended use. spec. colloquial . Drunk; drunken.
Drunk, ‘sozzled’; influenced or induced by heavy drinking.
hit under the wing (slang ): intoxicated.
= obfuscated , adj. 2; (frequently) spec. befuddled by alcohol.
Chiefly U.S. regional . Slightly crazed; bewildered, confused; fey, whimsical; (also) intoxicated.
Intoxicated, drunk, fuddled. Also with up . Also transferred .
slang (now chiefly U.S. ). Drunk.
U.S. slang . Drunk. Obsolete .
slang . Drunk; intoxicated.
Extremely intoxicated; (hence also) unable to think or act rationally or coherently. See paralytic , adj. A.2c.
slang . Intoxicated, drunk.
colloquial . slang (originally and chiefly Australian ). Drunk. Frequently in to get rotten .
Drunk. slang (chiefly U.S. , Australian , and New Zealand ). Cf. shoot , v. IV.32d.
Scottish and English regional (northern ). Under the influence of alcohol; drunk, inebriated.
under the influence : affected by alcoholic liquor; intoxicated, drunk.
colloquial (originally U.S. ). Drunk; intoxicated, under the influence of drugs. Now frequently with up .
Drunk, intoxicated. Frequently with up .
Intoxicated. slang . Also as drunk as a boiled owl .
regional (chiefly English regional (midlands )). Confused, bewildered; out of sorts; fuddled through drinking alcohol; foolish, stupid.
to be loaded for bear(s) , to be well prepared for an anticipated confrontation, opponent, emergency, etc.; to be ready for anything; also (jocular …
slang . Unsteady, as through intoxication. Obsolete .
Intoxicated, drunk; drunken.
slang . Filled with (alcoholic) drink; intoxicated; occasionally transferred , drugged. Frequently with up . Also in tanked to the wide (cf. wide , n. )…
Quite drunk, intoxicated (used esp. with reference to a person's appearance). Also: bleary-eyed.
Dizzy or unsteady as when fuddled with drink; muzzy; ‘dotty’.
slang (Australian and New Zealand ). Intoxicated, drunk. Now dated .
Brought on by drinking alcohol; intoxicated. Obsolete .
slang (originally U.S. ). Intoxicated, drunk; (also) under the influence of drugs.
Nautical slang . = tin hats , adj. Cf. tin hat , n. A.2, tin hat , adj. Now rare .
slang . Drunk, intoxicated; under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Cf. lit , adj.¹ 3.
slang . on (also upon) one's ear : drunk.
Intoxicated with drink or drugs (originally with the implication of distorted vision).
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.
slang (chiefly Nautical ). = tin hats , adj. Cf. sense A.2, tin-hatted , adj. 1. rare .
slang . Drunk; intoxicated.
Drunk. Only in predicative use. Cf. tin hat , adj. , tin-hatted , adj. 1.
slang . Drunk, intoxicated; under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Military slang (chiefly U.S. ). Drunk. Now rare .
Fuddled with liquor, intoxicated.
slang . Drunk; tipsy; = oiled , adj. 2.
Australian slang . Drunk. Cf. stunned , adj. 2.
Australian and New Zealand slang . Drunk. Cf. stung , adj. 2.
slang . Drunk; intoxicated.
Originally and chiefly North American slang . Under the influence of alcohol; drunk, intoxicated.
Extremely drunk. Cf. rotten , adj. A.II.9b, blotto , adj.
Exhausted, in a state of collapse; (also) wildly drunk.
Military . Unable to think rationally or coherently; crazy. Cf. slightly earlier puggled , adj. Now rare .
slang . Affected by drink; inebriated, drunk (frequently in well-lubricated ). Cf. oiled , adj. 2.
jocular . Intoxicated by drink.
With up . Drunk, intoxicated. Rarely without up . slang .
slang . Drunk, intoxicated. Cf. overshoot , v. I.3b.
Intoxicated, drunk. slang (chiefly U.S. ).
Drunk, (mildly) intoxicated. slang (originally Military ).
slang (originally U.S. ). Intoxicated, drunk. Also (and earliest) in sauced up . Cf. sauce , n. II.6a.
U.S. slang . Drunk; intoxicated. half in the bag : moderately drunk.
slang . Drunk. Later also: under the influence of drugs.
Intoxicated, drunk. Also with up .
As adj. , excited; intoxicated with drink or drugs, ‘stoned’. U.S. slang . rare .
Drunk. Also const. up . slang .
slang (originally U.S. ). Intoxicated or ‘high’ on alcohol or drugs; excited, thrilled, stimulated. Cf. buzz , n.¹ 2b.
In extended use. Frequently with up. North American colloquial . Of a person: excited, enthusiastic; (also) stimulated; intoxicated by alcohol or…
slang . Of a person: intoxicated by alcohol or drugs; drunk, inebriated; high; (occasionally also) exhausted. Chiefly in predicative use, esp. in to …
Drunk, intoxicated. In later use also: under the influence of marijuana (cf. skunk , n. 3). Chiefly in predicative use.
figurative . Of a person: intoxicated or incapacitated as a result of drinking alcohol or taking drugs; inebriated; drunk; high. Occasionally also…
Intoxicated by drugs or alcohol; ‘stoned’. Frequently const. out . Also transferred and figurative .
Drunk, intoxicated; = Brahms and Liszt , adj.
Drunk, intoxicated. Cf. schnockered , adj.
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.
Intoxicated (from drink or drugs). Chiefly used outside the U.K.
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…
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…
Under the influence of drugs or alcohol, intoxicated. Cf. blast , v. I.6(b) slang (chiefly U.S. ).
Drunk, intoxicated. Cf. Mozart and Liszt , adj.
Of a person: excited, thrilled, esp. by music; (sometimes also) stimulated; intoxicated by alcohol or drugs (sometimes perhaps as a euphemistic…
slang (chiefly British and Irish English ). Drunk, intoxicated. Frequently in to get trousered .
South African slang . Drunk; intoxicated.
tired and emotional : jocular euphemism for ‘drunk’.
British slang . Drunk, intoxicated. Chiefly in to get ratted . Cf. rat-arsed , adj.
Drunk, intoxicated; = ratted , adj.³
Drunk, extremely intoxicated.
Drunk; intoxicated with alcohol or drugs.
Drunk; intoxicated by alcohol or drugs.
British slang . Drunk, intoxicated. Cf. on the lash at lash , n.¹ additions.
1754–
In a zigzag manner or direction.
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
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
1846
When he ignites a rocket, it may go straight forward, or zig-zag . W. Greener , Science of Gunnery (new edition) 244
1862
The road..led zig~zag up the side of a precipitous mountain. H. Beveridge , Comprehensive History of India vol. III. viii. iv. 374
▶ more ▼ less In a zigzag manner or direction.
adj. & adv. = zigzag , adj. , zigzag , adv. Also reduplicated, as ziggety-zaggety .
In rotation or revolution; round in a circular course. Now rare except in figurative use with verbs.
= about , adv. (in various senses). Cf. nearabouts , adv.
In a winding or meandering manner; with twists and turns.
In a zigzag manner or direction.
In a confused or convoluted manner; as if in a maze.
Used to express a movement or direction inclined at an angle to that indicated by zig , v.
Pronunciation keys British English Consonants p p eat t eak k eyb b uyd d yeɡ g uytʃ ch oredʒ j ayf f oreθ th aws s oreʃ sh orev v eeð th eez z eeʒ beig e x loch h h ayl l ayɬ rhingyll r r ayw w ayj y orem m ayn n ayŋ sing 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 iː fleece i happy ɪ kit ɛ dress a trap, bath ɑː start, palm, bath ɒ lot ɔː thought, force ʌ strut ʊ foot uː goose ə letter əː nurse ɪə near ɛː square ʊə cure eɪ face ʌɪ pride aʊ mouth əʊ goat ɔɪ voice ã gratin ɒ̃ salon 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 .
U.S. English Consonants p p eat t eak k eyb b uyd d ye*ɡ g uytʃ ch oredʒ j ayf f oreθ th aws s oreʃ sh orev v eeð th eez z eeʒ beig e x loch h h ayl l ayr r ayw w ayj y orem m ayn n ayŋ sing * /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 i fleece, happy ɪ kit ɛ dress æ trap, bath ɑ lot, palm, cloth, thought ɑr start ɔ cloth, thought ɔr north, force ʊ foot u goose ə strut, comma ər nurse, letter ɪ(ə)r near ɛ(ə)r square ʊ(ə)r cure eɪ face aɪ pride aʊ mouth oʊ goat ɔɪ voice ɑ̃ gratin æ̃ salon 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 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
g guy j jay y yore ch chore kh loch sh shore th thaw dh thee zh beige Vowels a trap ah palm air square ar start arr carry (British only) aw thought ay face a(ng) gratin e dress ee fleece eer deer err merry i kit igh pride irr mirror o lot (British only) oh goat oo goose oor cure or force orr sorry (British only) ow mouth oy voice o(ng) salon u strut uh letter ur nurse urr hurry uu foot
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.
Show data table 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.
Show data table 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
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Zigzag course or proceeding (literal and figurative).
Having a zigzag form or marking.
To cause to move in a zigzag direction; reflexive = 1.
Used to express a movement or direction inclined…
Characterized by zigzags or short sharp turns at…
A form of star connection of three-phase…
A sewing machine with a swing needle that may be…
intransitive. To make a movement or direction…
C.1.
1758–
zigzag-shaped adj. ; zigzag fashion , zigzag-wise quasi-adverbs.
1758
A Way very commodious cut, Zigzag Fashion. O. Goldsmith , translation of J. Marteilhe, Memoirs of Protestant vol. II. 129
1846
The interline is zigzag shaped. F. Brittan , translation of J. F. Malgaigne, Manual of Operative Surgery 236
1877
Its joints are bent zig-zag-wise . T. H. Huxley & H. N. Martin , Course of Elementary Biology (ed. 4) 26
▶ more ▼ less Having a serrated or zigzag figure, direction, or course, as a line, wall, moulding, path, etc.; constructed with salient and re-entrant angles…
Having the form of a zigzag; turning sharply at angles in alternate directions; characterized by turns of this kind.
Having a zigzag form or marking.
Characterized by zigzags or short sharp turns at alternate angles.
zigzag-shaped adj. ; zigzag fashion , zigzag-wise quasi-adverbs.
gen. Formed of chevrons, zigzag.
A form of star connection of three-phase…
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.
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