1
: to and fro
paced up and down
2
: so as to move upward and then downward repeatedly
jumping up and down
3
archaic
: here and there especially throughout an area
4
: with regard to every particular : thoroughly
knew the territory up and down
up and down
preposition
Examples of up-and-down in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 19 Apr. 2025
While season 2, which debuted on April 15, promises a lot of tension between all members of the cast, fans are most eager to see the drama unfold between Vanderpump alums Brittany Cartwright and Jax Taylor, who have had a historically up-and-down relationship.
—Rebecca Aizin, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025
William Goodman, Men's Health, 8 Apr. 2023
Councilmember Marcus Bush said that repealing the cruising ban was not just about being free to take a person’s ride up and down a city street.
—Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2023
See All Example Sentences for up-and-down
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Adjective
In an up-and-down outing, Peterson alternated between efficient innings and long ones until he was removed in the sixth with the Mets down 3-2.
—Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 19 Apr. 2025
While season 2, which debuted on April 15, promises a lot of tension between all members of the cast, fans are most eager to see the drama unfold between Vanderpump alums Brittany Cartwright and Jax Taylor, who have had a historically up-and-down relationship.
—Rebecca Aizin, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Adverb
On the courts of the Roundball Classic, Vaccaro forged connections with all kinds of coaches and athletes up and down the East Coast.
—William Goodman, Men's Health, 8 Apr. 2023
Councilmember Marcus Bush said that repealing the cruising ban was not just about being free to take a person’s ride up and down a city street.
—Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2023
See All Example Sentences for up-and-down
Cite this Entry
“Up-and-down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/up-and-down. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
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