What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
squiggle
Example
The child drew a squiggle on the paper. [squiggle: noun]
Example
The road ahead was a squiggle through the mountains. [squiggle: verb]
zigzag
Example
The lightning bolt zigzagged across the sky. [zigzag: verb]
Example
The hiker followed the zigzag trail up the steep mountain. [zigzag: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Zigzag is more commonly used than squiggle in everyday language. Zigzag is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while squiggle is less common and often used in more creative or playful contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between squiggle and zigzag?
Both squiggle and zigzag are informal words that are suitable for casual or creative contexts. However, zigzag can also be used in more formal contexts to describe patterns or movements in a precise or technical manner.
