How to pronounce zigzag
Say it like ZIG-zag. Zigzag has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (ZIG).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce zigzag. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ZIG
- zag
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Zigzag pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ZIGSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- zagKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
American vs British pronunciation of zigzag
American and British speakers say zigzag in essentially the same way: /ˈzɪɡzæɡ/ in the US and /ˈzɪɡˌzæɡ/ in the UK.
British respelling: ZIG-zag.
What does zigzag mean?
- To move or to twist in a zigzag manner.
- A line or path that proceeds by sharp turns in alternating directions.
- One of these sharp turns.
- Moving in, or having a zigzag.
- Drunk.
Where does zigzag come from?
Attested from 1712. Borrowed from French zigzag (attested from 1662), possibly from a Germanic source via Walloon ziczac (although German Zickzack is attested only from 1703).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying zigzag
How do you pronounce zigzag?
Say ZIG-zag. The American pronunciation is /ˈzɪɡzæɡ/. In British English it is /ˈzɪɡˌzæɡ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in zigzag?
Zigzag has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (ZIG). Broken into parts: ZIG · zag.
Do Americans and Brits say zigzag the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈzɪɡzæɡ/ and the British form is /ˈzɪɡˌzæɡ/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.