What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
meander
Example
The river meandered through the valley, creating a beautiful landscape. [meander: verb]
Example
We decided to take a meandering walk through the park, enjoying the scenery. [meandering: gerund or present participle]
zigzag
Example
The hiker zigzagged up the steep mountain trail to reach the summit. [zigzag: verb]
Example
The lightning bolt followed a zigzag path across the sky. [zigzag: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Zigzag is more commonly used than meander in everyday language. Zigzag is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while meander is less common and often used in specific contexts such as describing a river or a leisurely walk.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between meander and zigzag?
While meander is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, zigzag can be used in both formal and informal contexts depending on the context and purpose of the movement or pattern being described.
