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
Tuesday’s vote comes after years of back-and-forth over whether retail pet sales should be allowed in the county. Ryan Ballogg, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 June 2025 The sharp back-and-forth between two of the world’s most powerful right-wing figures marked a stunning unraveling of their once unshakable political alliance. Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 5 June 2025
Adverb
The game was somewhat back and forth, with the Rays taking and losing a 4-0 lead, going up 6-4, falling behind 10-6, then getting even with three runs in the sixth and one in the seventh. Compiled From Wire Reports, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 June 2025 Throughout the back and forth, Mr. Trump continued to defend the budget bill Musk opposes. June 6, CBS News, 6 June 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 12 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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