seesaw
seesaw Lexical Profile
seesaw Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A long board balanced on a central fulcrum, ridden by a child at each end who push their feet against the ground to alternately go up and down.
"The children spent the entire afternoon laughing and playing on the seesaw at the local playground."
A situation, process, or contest that rapidly and repeatedly alternates between two states, positions, or conditions.
"The championship match was a thrilling seesaw of momentum until the final whistle."
• verb
To move repeatedly up and down or back and forth.
"The small fishing boat seesawed violently on the rough, turbulent waves."
To alternate rapidly and continually between two states, opinions, or conditions.
"The stock market seesawed throughout the day following the unexpected economic report."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Originates from a 17th-century rhythmic chant used by sawyers to keep time while operating a two-man crosscut saw. It was later applied to children's playground equipment because the up-and-down motion mimics the push and pull of sawing.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.