crossroads

British  

/ ˈkrɒsˌrəʊdz /

noun

1. an area or the point at which two or more roads cross each other

2. the point at which an important choice has to be made (esp in the phrase at the crossroads )

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Explanation

The noun crossroads is great for describing a point in your life when you have to make an important decision, like when you need to choose whether to attend college or backpack across Asia. Though a literal definition of crossroads might be something like "the point where two roads meet," it is more often used in a figurative way, to mean a situation that requires some important choice must be made. The word crossroads has been used to title dozens of songs and albums over the years, and it's known in folk mythology as an otherworldly place — between two worlds — where spirits tend to congregate.

Example Sentences

The founder of French ridesharing firm Ecov, Thomas Matagne, summed up the crossroads decision-makers are facing.

From Barron's • Jun. 7, 2026

At the crossroads of walls versus bridges, the path chosen will ultimately depend on leadership.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 31, 2026

He suggested a risk of similar normalisation of exploitation and that humanity was at a similar moral crossroads.

From BBC • May 25, 2026

The 34-year-old now finds himself at a crossroads.

From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2026

There was a tall woman standing at the crossroads.

From "Stardust" by Neil Gaiman