Switchback

Quick meaning: Switchback is a noun meaning A railway track on a steep slope in a zigzag formation, in which a train travels in a reverse direction at each switch.

Meaning

A railway track on a steep slope in a zigzag formation, in which a train travels in a reverse direction at each switch.

More Meanings

1. A flight path consisting of a series of steep ascents and descents, generally flown as a stunt.
2. A path or road having a series of steep ascents and descents.
3. (intransitive) To take a zigzag course or path.
4. A railway track on which there are steep ascents and descents, a train moving partially or fully by the force of gravity using the momentum generated when descending to travel up an ascending part of the track; especially (British, dated), such a track built for fun rides at an amusement park; a type of rollercoaster.
5. A sharp bend in a path or road which causes a traveller to almost reverse their direction of travel, especially one of a series of such bends on an incline; a hairpin bend; also a path or road having such a series of bends.

Example Sentences

"Of course," said Harry, "there will have to be a branch track built, and a ‘switch-back’ up the hill."

Marriage was the switchback, the giant racer, the lobster teas, the guarantee that one would never be alone.

Already, we enter some airport bathrooms through a brief switchback of walls, so that we don’t ever grasp a door handle.

The switchback road to Diabaig - pronounced 'Jer-vague' - passes through some of the most exhilarating scenery in Scotland. […] With a final swoop, the road plummets down into Diabaig, where cottages are dotted across the slopes of a rocky semi-circle.

Word Forms

• switchbacks
• switchbacking
• switchbacked

Synonyms for switchback

Depending on context, synonyms include zigzag.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include crossback, backload, backhaul, railbus, orderboard, double-heading.

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