crisscross

American  

[kris-kraws, -kros] / ˈkrɪsˌkrɔs, -ˌkrɒs /

verb (used with object)

1. to move back and forth over.

   students crisscrossing the field on their way to school.

2. to mark with crossing lines.

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verb (used without object)

1. to proceed or pass back and forth; be arranged in a crisscross pattern.

   The streets in that part of town crisscross confusingly.

adjective

1. Also crisscrossed having many crossing lines, paths, etc.

noun

1. a crisscross mark, pattern, etc.

2. tick-tack-toe.

adverb

1. in a crisscross manner; crosswise.

2. awry; askew.

crisscross British  

/ ˈkrɪsˌkrɒs /

verb

1. to move or cause to move in a crosswise pattern

2. to mark with or consist of a pattern of crossing lines

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adjective

1. (esp of a number of lines) crossing one another in different directions

noun

1. a pattern made of crossing lines

2. a US term for noughts and crosses

adverb

1. in a crosswise manner or pattern

Etymology

Origin of crisscross

First recorded in 1810–20; variant of christcross

Explanation

A crisscross is a pattern of lines that cross or intersect. Your favorite shirt might be printed with pink and purple crisscrosses. You might doodle a crisscross pattern during class or stitch crisscrosses on a quilt. You can also use the word as a verb, meaning to cross in a pattern: "The sidewalks crisscross the city," or "I watched the dogs crisscross the beach." The word dates from the 1800s, from the Middle English crist-cross, or "Christ's cross," which was a mark traditionally made before the alphabet in a schoolbook or primer.

Example Sentences

Crisscross the state to sample the different styles, such as the barbecue chicken with vinegar-based sauce in the Shenandoah Valley and the tomato-based sauces sweetened with spices, herbs and fruit in Northern Virginia.

From Washington Post • Apr. 4, 2019

Rosalind meanwhile sat in the shadow, Crisscross beside her, the thought of the rose and of Aunt Genevieve's words making her hope Miss Fair would not see her.

From Mr. Pat's Little Girl A Story of the Arden Foresters by Leonard, Mary Finley

"Morgan really does make me think of a magician," she said, stroking Crisscross and looking at the cabinet-maker.

From Mr. Pat's Little Girl A Story of the Arden Foresters by Leonard, Mary Finley

Curly Q. and Crisscross both sought refuge in the shop, and the latter proved himself capable of sociability by jumping up beside Rosalind.

From Mr. Pat's Little Girl A Story of the Arden Foresters by Leonard, Mary Finley

Crisscross the tying silk around the wings and the hook until they are securely tied together.

From How to Tie Flies by Gregg, Ellery Clark

Related Words

• cross
• interlaced
• intersecting
• interwoven
• woven