: backward and forward
also
: between two places or persons
Examples of back-and-forth in a Sentence
Noun
after the usual back-and-forth of official gifts, the two leaders entered into a serious discussion
the others listened with relish to the back-and-forth between the two noted professors
Adverb
The chair rocked back and forth.
The children were shuttled back and forth between school and home.
Recent Examples on the Web
Michael Saponara, Billboard, 16 Sep. 2025
The Los Angeles Dodgers watched the Philadelphia Phillies clinch the National League East title on their home diamond after losing Monday's matchup in a back-and-forth duel.
—Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2025
Drivers leaned on their horns as union members — many of whom were wearing blue WGAW T-shirts– marched back and forth in front of the main entrance.
—Lynette Rice, Deadline, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for back-and-forth
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Noun
The petty back-and-forth continued throughout the interview and escalated to the point that Dash threatened to get physical with CTG.
—Michael Saponara, Billboard, 16 Sep. 2025
The Los Angeles Dodgers watched the Philadelphia Phillies clinch the National League East title on their home diamond after losing Monday's matchup in a back-and-forth duel.
—Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
Adverb
The back and forth between this trio always had our heads spinning.
—Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2025
Drivers leaned on their horns as union members — many of whom were wearing blue WGAW T-shirts– marched back and forth in front of the main entrance.
—Lynette Rice, Deadline, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for back-and-forth
Cite this Entry
“Back-and-forth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/back-and-forth. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.
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