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.

---

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

---

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

Example Sentences

Use the tines of a fork to flatten and indent crisscross patterns over the tops of each cookie.

From Salon • Dec. 13, 2025

As they crisscross the globe this season on their way to the 2026 Winter Games in Italy next February, one of their top priorities is keeping illness at bay.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 5, 2025

The escalation comes even as U.S. officials crisscross the region imploring leaders to avoid inflaming tensions — a plea evidently ignored.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 20, 2024

Local community wardens patrol crisscross mountains in regular patrols to ensure that the crocodiles are safe after release.

From BBC • Jul. 18, 2024

We reach the first barrier, which is like the barriers blocking off roadworks, or dug-up sewers: a wooden crisscross painted in yellow and black stripes, a red hexagon which means Stop.

From "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood

Related Words

• cross
• interlaced
• intersecting
• interwoven
• woven