up-and-down

1 of 2

adjective

ˌəp-ən(d)-ˈdau̇n How to pronounce up-and-down (audio)
ˌəp-ᵊm-
Synonyms of up-and-downnext
1
: marked by alternate upward and downward movement, action, or surface
2
: perpendicular

up and down

2 of 2

adverb

1
: to and fro
paced up and down
2
: so as to move upward and then downward repeatedly
jumping up and down
3
archaic : here and there especially throughout an area
4
: with regard to every particular : thoroughly
knew the territory up and down
up and down preposition

Examples of up-and-down in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
After five up-and-down seasons, Karlsson was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins. —Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2025 Kuzma, meanwhile, adds another scoring punch to an up-and-down Milwaukee team led by Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 6 Feb. 2025
Adverb
On the courts of the Roundball Classic, Vaccaro forged connections with all kinds of coaches and athletes up and down the East Coast. —William Goodman, Men's Health, 8 Apr. 2023 Councilmember Marcus Bush said that repealing the cruising ban was not just about being free to take a person’s ride up and down a city street. —Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2023 See all Example Sentences for up-and-down 

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1755, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of up-and-down was in the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near up-and-down

up and down

up-and-down

up-and-down indicator

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Up-and-down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/up-and-down. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.

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Kids Definition

up-and-down

adjective
1
: marked by alternate upward and downward movement, action, or surface
2
: perpendicular entry 1 sense 1

More from Merriam-Webster on up-and-down

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for up-and-down

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