Meaning & use
Switchback
Last updated
A zigzagging road, trail, or railway that ascends a steep slope through a series of sharp turns.
See it in a sentence
The trail climbed the mountain in a dizzying series of switchbacks.
Engineers designed a switchback so the train could climb the pass gradually.
A note on using this word
Switchbacks let a path gain elevation gradually by reversing direction repeatedly, avoiding a dangerously steep straight climb.
Words with a similar meaning
hairpin turnzigzag
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Another way to use it
2. noun
A sudden and complete reversal, as of policy or plans.
The company's switchback on remote work frustrated employees.
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