zigzags
Alternating angular paths
Zigzags are lines or paths that alternate sharply between two directions, forming a series of Z-shaped angles: The road zigzags up the mountain.
The pattern appears in lightning bolts, decorative borders, and evasive movement.
To zigzag is to proceed in this alternating fashion: The rabbit zigzagged across the field to escape the hawk.
V-shaped line or symbol
- herringboneV-shaped diagonal weave
- rickrackFlat woven zigzag trimming
- sawtoothTriangular repeating edge pattern
- wavyHaving gentle curves
angular · jagged · serpentine · meandering · undulating · crisscross · diagonal · alternating
Flat woven zigzag trimming
- stitchThread loop in fabric
- embroideryDecorative stitching on fabric
- trimmingCutting away excess
- notionsFleeting mental impressions
seam · fabric · edging · applique · piping · binding · needlework · quilting
Abrupt directional change
- weaveInterlace strands into fabric
- dodgingAvoiding by moving aside
- evasiveAvoiding direct response
- dartingMoving suddenly, swiftly
veering · slalom · winding · snaking · cutting · juking · feinting · maneuvering
chevron
V-shaped line or symbol
- herringboneV-shaped diagonal weave
- rickrackFlat woven zigzag trimming
- sawtoothTriangular repeating edge pattern
wavy · angular · jagged · serpentine · meandering · undulating · crisscross · diagonal · alternating · geometric
rickrack
Flat woven zigzag trimming
- stitchThread loop in fabric
- embroideryDecorative stitching on fabric
- trimmingCutting away excess
notions · seam · fabric · edging · applique · piping · binding · needlework · quilting · pinking
swerve
Abrupt directional change
darting · veering · slalom · winding · snaking · cutting · juking · feinting · maneuvering · scrambling
switchback
Reversing mountain path
- hairpinU-shaped fastener for tresses
- windingCurving repeatedly, sinuous
- serpentineCurving in repeated bends
curves · bends · turns · trail · ascent · descent · traverse · gradient · incline · scenic route
bolt
Threaded rod for nuts
strike · thunder · storm · electric · crack · sky · streaking · branching · illumination · discharge
- animal markingsspots, stripes, rings, patches, bands
- etched patternscrosshatch, hatching, stippling, guilloche, meander
- patternspattern, chevron, geometric pattern, stripes, plaid
- decorative artsdecorative arts, topiary, enamelwork, applied arts, ornamental design
- ancient ornamentacanthus, meanders, rosettes, scrollwork, friezes
- Art Decoart deco, sunburst, sunbursts, chevron, bold lines
zigzagsstraight lines
Unbent one-dimensional figures
curves · smooth curves · arcs · spirals · circles
zigzagsbeelines
Most direct routes
as the crow flies · straightaways · shortcuts · steady course · linear progression
zigzagsstraight line
Undeviated continuous path
beeline · straight · direct · linear · as the crow flies
- zigzag patternSeries of sharp turns
- zigzag stitchAngled sewing pattern
- zigzag lineSeries of angular turns