zigzagged

Zigzagged is the past tense of zigzag, describing movement or form that proceeds in a zigzag pattern—alternating sharp turns in opposite directions. It can refer to how a person or object moves as well as to the shape of lines, seams, edges, or paths. In textiles and sewing, a zigzagged edge or seam uses a zigzag stitch to create elasticity or to prevent fraying. In geometry and drawing, a line may be described as zigzagged if it consists of a sequence of connected straight segments that alternate directions.

Etymology and grammar: The noun and verb zigzag entered English in the 17th–18th centuries from the German Zickzack, itself from zig-zag with influences from French and Italian forms. Zigzagged is the regular past tense and past participle form of zigzag; the present participle is zigzagging, and adjectives may use zigzagged or zigzag in attributive position (e.g., "a zigzag path").

Usage notes: The term remains common in everyday description, journalism, and basic writing. In more technical contexts, authors may opt for more precise descriptors such as "composed of alternating turns," "a meandering path with sharp changes," or "a stitched edge with elasticity." The concept also appears in design and art to convey movement, energy, or complexity.