: 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
Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 22 July 2025
After 25 minutes of back-and-forth action, Holloway had the BMF title wrapped around his waist by Lil Wayne, who had walked to the cage with Louisiana native Poirier, after his unanimous decision win over Poirier.
—Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
Jolene Almendarez, The Enquirer, 14 July 2025
The Rockets toggled back and forth between zone and man-to-man defense all evening, but being proficient in the former is becoming increasingly important under Udoka.
—Kelly Iko, New York Times, 12 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for back-and-forth
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Noun
The two rivals, who famously had a back-and-forth at the Masters in April, are both set to compete at Bethpage Black in Long Island, N.Y. in September.
—Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 22 July 2025
After 25 minutes of back-and-forth action, Holloway had the BMF title wrapped around his waist by Lil Wayne, who had walked to the cage with Louisiana native Poirier, after his unanimous decision win over Poirier.
—Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
Adverb
The two then bantered with each other back and forth on the site.
—Jolene Almendarez, The Enquirer, 14 July 2025
The Rockets toggled back and forth between zone and man-to-man defense all evening, but being proficient in the former is becoming increasingly important under Udoka.
—Kelly Iko, New York Times, 12 July 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 Jul. 2025.
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