switchback (n.)

in reference to zig-zag railways, 1863, from switch (v.) + back (adv.). As an adjective from 1873.

Entries linking to switchback

1610s, "to strike with a switch," from switch (n.). Related: Switched; switching. The meaning "turn (off or on) with a switch device" is first recorded 1853 of trains on tracks, 1881 of electricity, 1932 of radio or (later) television. Sense of "shift, divert" is from 1860. Meaning "to change one thing for another" is recorded from 1919. Switch-hitter is 1945 in baseball slang; 1956 in the sense of "bisexual person."

back (adv.)

"to or toward the rear or the original starting place; in the past; behind in position," literally or figuratively, late 14c., shortened from abak, from Old English on bæc "backwards, behind, aback" (see back (n.), and compare aback). To give (something) back is to give it again, to give it in the opposite direction to that in which it was formerly given. Adverbial phrase back and forth is attested by 1814.

Share switchback

‘cite’

Page URL:

https://www.etymonline.com/word/switchback

HTML Link:

<a href="https://www.etymonline.com/word/switchback">Etymology of switchback by etymonline</a>

APA style:

Harper, D. (n.d.). Etymology of switchback. Online Etymology Dictionary. Retrieved $(datetime), from https://www.etymonline.com/word/switchback

Chicago style:

Harper Douglas, “Etymology of switchback,” Online Etymology Dictionary, accessed $(datetime), https://www.etymonline.com/word/switchback.

MLA style:

Harper, Douglas. “Etymology of switchback.” Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/word/switchback. Accessed $(datetimeMla).

IEEE style:

D. Harper. “Etymology of switchback.” Online Etymology Dictionary. https://www.etymonline.com/word/switchback (accessed $(datetime)).

Dictionary entries near switchback

swirly

swish

Swiss

switch

switchable

switchback

switchblade

switchboard

Switzerland

swivel

swivet