switchback

1 of 2

noun

switch·​back ˈswich-ˌbak How to pronounce switchback (audio)
: a zigzag road, trail, or section of railroad tracks for climbing a steep hill
switchback adjective

switchback

2 of 2

verb

switchbacked; switchbacking; switchbacks

intransitive verb

: to follow a zigzag course especially for ascent or descent
a trail that switchbacks

Examples of switchback in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Today, the route is one of Maui’s greatest tourist draws, with its 617 switchbacks hiding some of the island’s best attractions. Teddy Brokaw, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 May 2024 Among a suite of new features, the electric G 580 can turn on a dime, take tight switchback corners with ease, and ford deeper water than its internal combustion engine counterparts. IEEE Spectrum, 13 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for switchback 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'switchback.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1863, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1903, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of switchback was in 1863

Dictionary Entries Near switchback

Cite this Entry

“Switchback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/switchback. Accessed 31 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

switchback

noun
switch·​back
ˈswich-ˌbak
: a zigzag road, trail, or section of railroad tracks for climbing a steep hill

More from Merriam-Webster on switchback

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