switchback Meaning & Definition
What Does Switchback Mean?
Switchback is used as a noun meaning a zigzag road, trail, or section of railroad tracks for climbing a steep hill. As a verb, it means to follow a zigzag course especially for ascent or descent.
Switchback: Key Facts
| Part of speech | noun, verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈswich-ˌbak/ |
| Syllables | 2 |
| Plural | switchbacks |
| Verb forms | switchbacks, switchbacking, switchbacked |
Switchback Definition (Noun)
- a zigzag road, trail, or section of railroad tracks for climbing a steep hill
Switchback as a Verb
- to follow a zigzag course especially for ascent or descent
a trail that switchbacks
Synonyms of Switchback
The source does not list synonyms for this entry.
Switchback synonyms and antonyms →Antonyms of Switchback
No antonyms or near antonyms are listed by the available sources for this entry.
Switchback in a Sentence
a trail that switchbacks
Word Forms & Grammar
switchback adjective
switchback
switchbacks
switch·backed
switch·back·ing
switch·backs
switchbacked
switchbacking
switchback (plural switchbacks)
switchback (third-person singular simple present switchbacks, present participle switchbacking, simple past and past participle switchbacked)
Words That Rhyme With Switchback
Origin of Switchback
Origin 1: The noun is derived from switch (“to turn (a train) from one railway track to another using a switch”, verb) + back (“so as to reverse direction and return”, adverb).[1][2]
Origin 2: The verb is derived from the noun.[1]
First Known Use
1863
1903
Pronouncing Switchback
Switchback is pronounced /ˈswich-ˌbak/ and has 2 syllables, with the main stress on the first syllable (swich).
Questions People Ask About Switchback
Is switchback a noun or a verb?
Switchback is mainly used as a noun, but it can also be used as a verb.
What is the plural of switchback?
The plural of switchback is switchbacks.
What is the past tense of switchback?
The past tense of switchback is switchbacked. The present participle is switchbacking.