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 congestion. [zigzagged: verb]
meander
Example
The river meandered through the valley, creating a scenic view. [meandered: verb]
Example
The couple enjoyed a leisurely meander through the park on a sunny day. [meander: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Meander is more commonly used than zigzag in everyday language. Meander is versatile and can be used in a variety of contexts, while zigzag is less common and tends to be used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between zigzag and meander?
Both zigzag and meander are relatively informal words, but zigzag may be slightly more formal due to its association with deliberate or purposeful movement.
