seesaw

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a plaything consisting of a board balanced on a fulcrum; the board is ridden up and down by children at either end
  2. verb ride on a plank
  3. verb move up and down as if on a seesaw

Etymology

Probably a frequentative imitative of rhythmic back-and-forth, up-and-down or zigzagging motion, such as teeter-totter, zigzag, flip-flop, ping pong, etc., under the umbrella term of reduplication; also likely influenced by the verbs see and saw of either present or past tense.

In classic literature

Synonyms

teeter, teeter-totter, teetertotter, teeterboard, tilting board, dandle board

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