back-and-forth

1 of 2

noun

back and forth

2 of 2

adverb

: backward and forward
also : between two places or persons

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
What began as a back-and-forth battle quickly underscored how evenly matched the two teams are despite being at different stages. Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2025 Adidas Adidas said higher costs are likely for products in the US due to Trump’s back-and-forth tariff. Auzinea Bacon, CNN Money, 24 May 2025
Adverb
Newsom’s administration has moved the target date for expansion back and forth in recent years. Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2025 After a year of back and forth, Wayne State rescinded her acceptance in 2023. Kristin Wright, NPR, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for back-and-forth

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1941, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

1613, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of back-and-forth was in 1613

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Back-and-forth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/back-and-forth. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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