crisscross

[kris-kraws, -kros]

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.

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

/ 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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of crisscross¹

First recorded in 1810–20; variant of christcross

Example Sentences

Meanwhile, many of my relatives were crisscrossing planet Earth.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

While the 11 rival candidates crisscrossed the central African country pressing the flesh ahead of the October 12 vote, Biya's campaign has been largely virtual, true to his reputation as a secretive "sphinx".

Read more on Barron's

Colorful graphics crisscross the floor, and a bright, retro-inspired mural references images of aeronautics pioneers and the families using the facility itself.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It has these paths that kind of crisscross back and forth.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He, his parents and his five brothers and sisters slept in hammocks crisscrossed from the rafters.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cross 
• interlaced www.thesaurus.com
• intersecting www.thesaurus.com
• interwoven www.thesaurus.com
• woven