: 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
Arabella Hau, People.com, 22 Mar. 2025
That game was just the start of an epic back-and-forth that’s seen the coaches meet in two Final Fours — and win one apiece; go head-to-head in the NBA and Conference USA; and later share a state when Pitino led Louisville and Calipari helmed Kentucky.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 21 Mar. 2025
Stanley Stewart, Travel + Leisure, 17 Mar. 2025
In this ongoing trade back and forth the U.S. is having, isn't there a risk that China will ultimately be the winner?
—CBS News, 16 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for back-and-forth
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Noun
After back-and-forth discussions, the pair landed on simply visiting Spain and Croatia.
—Arabella Hau, People.com, 22 Mar. 2025
That game was just the start of an epic back-and-forth that’s seen the coaches meet in two Final Fours — and win one apiece; go head-to-head in the NBA and Conference USA; and later share a state when Pitino led Louisville and Calipari helmed Kentucky.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 21 Mar. 2025
Adverb
White terns swept elegantly back and forth, diving suddenly on sprays of bait.
—Stanley Stewart, Travel + Leisure, 17 Mar. 2025
In this ongoing trade back and forth the U.S. is having, isn't there a risk that China will ultimately be the winner?
—CBS News, 16 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for 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 29 Mar. 2025.
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