: backward and forward
also
: between two places or persons
Synonyms
Examples of back-and-forth in a Sentence
Noun
after the usual back-and-forth of official gifts, the two leaders entered into a serious discussion
the others listened with relish to the back-and-forth between the two noted professors
Adverb
The chair rocked back and forth.
The children were shuttled back and forth between school and home.
Recent Examples on the Web
Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 17 Feb. 2025
The two superstars announced this week that their months-long back-and-forth, which began after the 2024 Paris Olympics, will finally be put to the test when the two square off in a race to determine who really is the fastest.
—Paulina Dedaj, Fox News, 15 Feb. 2025
Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY, 10 Feb. 2025
Add crushed ice two-thirds or so full and agitate (either swizzle back and forth with a swizzle stick or a bar spoon, or else just stir) until the glass begins to frost.
—Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 7 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for back-and-forth 
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Noun
In the post, the driver described a tense back-and-forth with a customer who insisted their order be delivered inside the public restroom of an unnamed hotel.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 17 Feb. 2025
The two superstars announced this week that their months-long back-and-forth, which began after the 2024 Paris Olympics, will finally be put to the test when the two square off in a race to determine who really is the fastest.
—Paulina Dedaj, Fox News, 15 Feb. 2025
Adverb
Prior to the Dolby Theater, the ceremony moved back and forth between the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion of the Music Center and the Shrine Civic Auditorium between 1990 and 2001.
—Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY, 10 Feb. 2025
Add crushed ice two-thirds or so full and agitate (either swizzle back and forth with a swizzle stick or a bar spoon, or else just stir) until the glass begins to frost.
—Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 7 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for back-and-forth
Dictionary Entries Near back-and-forth
Cite this Entry
“Back-and-forth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/back-and-forth. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.
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