cross-country
Americanadjective
-
directed or proceeding over fields, through woods, etc., rather than on a road or path.
a cross-country race.
-
from one end of the country to the other.
a cross-country flight.
noun
adjective
-
by way of fields, woods, etc, as opposed to roads
cross-country running
-
across a country
a cross-country railway
noun
Etymology
Origin of cross-country
First recorded in 1760–70
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Cross country, though, is no longer the prestigious discipline it once was and the number taking part at the top level has fallen.
From BBC • Jan. 8, 2026
Cross country and golf for both boys and girls, and girls tennis and swimming will continue in their traditional fall slots.
From Washington Times • Jul. 29, 2020
Cross country is a lung-bursting sport but a tight-knit one as well and Sweden's Charlotte Kalla, who took the silver medal behind Bjoergen, joined the three Norwegians.
From Reuters • Feb. 8, 2014
Cross country ski or snowshoe to dine at the Tennessee Pass Cookhouse.
From Time Magazine Archive
"Cross country," she said, silencing a growl from her husband.
From Barnaby A Novel by Ramsay, R.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
