cross-country

American  

[kraws-kuhn-tree, kros-, kraws-kuhn-tree, -kuhn-, kros-] / ˈkrɔsˌkʌn tri, ˈkrɒs-, ˈkrɔsˈkʌn tri, -ˌkʌn-, ˈkrɒs- /

adjective

1. directed or proceeding over fields, through woods, etc., rather than on a road or path.

   a cross-country race.

2. from one end of the country to the other.

   a cross-country flight.

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noun

• cross-countries
  plural

1. a cross-country sport or race.

cross-country British  

adjective

1. by way of fields, woods, etc, as opposed to roads

   cross-country running

2. across a country

   a cross-country railway

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noun

1. a long race held over open ground

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• cross-countries
  plural

Etymology

Origin of cross-country

First recorded in 1760–70

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

cross-country cross-countries

If you like to see cross-country runners doing their best under the lights, the Woodbridge Classic set for Saturday night at the Great Park in Irvine is the place to be.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 18, 2026

Also weighing on crude were reports that Saudi Arabia is seeking to restore about half the capacity of its cross-country oil pipeline after the link was halted following Houthi attacks over the weekend.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 17, 2026

In warmer weather, you can rent kayaks, wave runners and paddleboards or take a seasonal cruise aboard the Lake Lawn Queen; winter brings cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, ice fishing and sledding.

From Salon ● Sep. 8, 2026

As a backup plan, Thomas sought top performances on her volleyball and cross-country teams, thinking she might get recruited.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 20, 2026

I start with his high school cross-country jersey.

From "Clairboyance" by Kristiana Kahakauwila

Then you'll be with us on the morning cross-countries again.

From The High School Left End Dick & Co. Grilling on the Football Gridiron by H. Irving (Harrie Irving) Hancock