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Definition of zag

zag

/zæɡ/
zag
Plural:zags
•
Past Simple:zagged
•
Past Participle:zagged
•
Present Participle:zagging
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zag Lexical Profile

zag Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To make a sudden, sharp change of direction, or to take an unexpected course of action in contrast to others.

Example

"The hare zigged left and then suddenly zagged right to evade the pursuing hound."

Synonyms
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• noun

1

A sharp change of direction, angle, or course, especially one that alternates with an opposing turn in a zigzag pattern.

Example

"The mountain trail followed a series of steep zigs and zags up the rocky ridge."

Synonyms
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• Rhymes for zag

• Nearby Words

zachariah
zadar
zafra
zag
zagazig
zagreb
zagros

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the 18th century as a back-formation from "zigzag," which was borrowed from French "zigzag" and German "Zickzack," a reduplicative formation evoking abrupt alternating turns.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Zag. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/zag
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