Definitions

1. noun

a section of a road or path that turns sharply back on itself, often used for steep uphill or downhill driving

“The hikers had to navigate the steep and winding trail with its many switchbacks.”

2. noun

a series of sharp turns in a road or path, forming a zigzag pattern

“The mountain road had many switchbacks that made it difficult to drive.”

3. verb

to turn sharply back on oneself, especially in a zigzag pattern

“The hikers had to switchback to make their way up the steep mountain.”