What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
zigzag
Example
The hiker followed a zigzag path up the steep mountain. [zigzag: adjective]
Example
The car zigzagged through traffic to avoid hitting other vehicles. [zigzagged: verb]
crisscross
Example
The fence was made of crisscrossing wooden slats. [crisscrossing: verb]
Example
The runner crisscrossed the field during practice to improve their agility. [crisscrossed: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Crisscross is more commonly used than zigzag in everyday language. Crisscross is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while zigzag is less common and often used in specific contexts, such as describing the path of lightning or the shape of a bolt of fabric.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between zigzag and crisscross?
Both zigzag and crisscross are relatively informal words that can be used in casual conversation or writing. However, crisscross may be slightly more formal due to its wider range of usage and versatility.
