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
Both he and Ignatavicius project as up-and-down-the-lineup heavy forwards. — Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 27 June 2026 Smith-Wade had an up-and-down second campaign with Carolina last year. — Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 10 June 2026
Adverb
Really good stuff up and down the lineup. — Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2026 Students first learn how to move up and down the tree, using a technique called body or hip thrusting. — Sharon Jean-Philippe, The Conversation, 25 June 2026 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

Rhymes for up-and-down

See All Rhymes for up-and-down

Browse Nearby Words

up-and-coming
up-and-down
up and down
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Up-and-down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/up-and-down. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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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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