switch·back
ˈswich-ˌbak 
: a zigzag road, trail, or section of railroad tracks for climbing a steep hill
switchback
adjective
switchbacked; switchbacking; switchbacks
: 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
Chris Morris, Fortune, 24 July 2025
Scientists found that these switchbacks, which occurred in clusters, were more frequent than anticipated using data from the Parker Solar Probe.
—Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 14 July 2025
Eva Frederick, Travel + Leisure, 14 June 2025
Start at the peak’s eponymous trailhead and switchback straight up to the iconic summit.
—Corey Buhay, Outside Online, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for switchback
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Noun
The seven switchbacks up to the top of Bürgenstock mountain are emotional for Dr. Pablo Richard.
—Chris Morris, Fortune, 24 July 2025
Scientists found that these switchbacks, which occurred in clusters, were more frequent than anticipated using data from the Parker Solar Probe.
—Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 14 July 2025
Verb
The first two miles are the hardest, composed of rocky stairs and switchbacks winding steeply up the side of the mountain.
—Eva Frederick, Travel + Leisure, 14 June 2025
Start at the peak’s eponymous trailhead and switchback straight up to the iconic summit.
—Corey Buhay, Outside Online, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for switchback
Cite this Entry
“Switchback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/switchback. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.
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