switchbacks
/ˈswɪtʃˌbæks/
noun
- Sharp turns in a road, path, or trail that go back and forth up a steep slope.
- Hikers should take care on the switchbacks because the trail is narrow.
- We counted twelve switchbacks on the way to the summit.
- The mountain road had many switchbacks that made the drive slow.
verb
- Third person singular form of switchback: to travel along a path that goes back and forth up a steep slope.
- Each path switchbacks up the hill to reduce the grade.
- The road switchbacks steeply just past the old bridge.
- The trail switchbacks through the forest for several miles.