a structure consisting essentially of an upright and a transverse piece, used to execute persons in ancient times.
any object, figure, or mark resembling a cross, as two intersecting lines.
a mark resembling a cross, usually an X, made instead of a signature by a person unable to write.
the Cross, the cross upon which Jesus died.
a figure of the Cross as a Christian emblem, badge, etc.
the Cross as the symbol of Christianity.
a small cross with a human figure attached to it, as a representation of Jesus crucified; crucifix.
a sign made with the right hand by tracing the figure of a cross in the air or by touching the foreheard, chest, and shoulders, as an act of devotion.
a structure or monument in the form of a cross, set up for prayer, as a memorial, etc.
any of various conventional representations or modifications of the Christian emblem used symbolically or for ornament, as in heraldry or art.
a Latin cross;
a Maltese cross.
the crucifixion of Jesus as the culmination of His redemptive mission.
any suffering endured for Jesus' sake.
the teaching of redemption gained by Jesus' death.
the Christian religion, or those who accept it; Christianity; Christendom.
an opposition; thwarting; frustration.
any misfortune; trouble.
a crossing of animals or plants; a mixing of breeds.
an animal, plant, breed, etc., produced by crossing; crossbreed.
a person or thing that is intermediate in character between two others.
Boxing. a punch thrown across and over the lead of an opponent.
a left jab, followed by a right cross.
Older Slang. a contest the result of which is dishonestly arranged beforehand.
Many of the onlookers, especially some who had bet heavily on Taylor, complained loudly that the fight was a “damnable cross.”
a crossing.
a place of crossing.
Plumbing. a four-way joint or connection.
Theater. an actor's movement from one area of a stage to another.
Also called cross-trade. Stock Exchange. an arrangement for the simultaneous sale and purchase of a block of stock handled by a single broker.
Machinery. spider.
(initial capital letter) Southern Cross.
to move, pass, or extend from one side to the other side of (a street, river, etc.).
to put or draw (a line, lines, etc.) across.
to cancel by marking with a cross or with a line or lines (often followed by off orout ).
to mark with a cross.
to lie or pass across; intersect.
to meet and pass.
to transport across something.
to assist or guide (a person) across a street or intersection.
The guard crossed the child at the traffic light.
to place in the form of a cross or crosswise.
Biology. to cause (members of different genera, species, breeds, varieties, or the like) to interbreed.
to oppose openly; thwart; frustrate.
Slang. to betray; double-cross.
to make the sign of a cross upon or over, as in devotion.
to cross oneself.
Nautical. to set (a yard) in proper position on a mast.
Obsolete. to confront in a hostile manner.
to lie or be athwart; intersect.
to move, pass, or extend from one side or place to another.
Cross at the intersection.
to meet and pass.
to interbreed.
Theater. to move from one side of the stage to the other, especially by passing downstage of another actor.
angry and annoyed; ill-humored; snappish.
Don't be cross with me.
lying or passing crosswise or across each other; athwart; transverse.
cross timbers.
involving a reciprocal action, interchange, or the like.
a cross-endorsement of political candidates;
cross-marketing of related services.
They were at cross purposes with each other.
cross over Also cross over to the other side
Biology. (of a chromosome segment) to undergo crossing over.
to switch allegiance, as from one political party to another.
to change successfully from one field of endeavor, genre, etc., to another.
to cross over from jazz to rock.
to die; pass away.
cross up
to change arrangements made with; deceive.
He crossed me up after we had agreed to tell the police the same story.
to confuse.
I was supposed to meet him at the station, but got crossed up.
on the cross, in a dishonest manner; illegally.
Her elegant clothes and those two splendid rings had been acquired on the cross.
take the cross, to make the vows of a crusader.
bear one's cross, to accept trials or troubles patiently.
cross one's mind. mind.
cross one's heart. heart.
cross one's path. path.
cross the line, line.
cross someone's palm (with silver), to give money to, especially in payment for a service.
I shall tell your fortune, but you must first cross my palm with silver.
the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified
the Crucifixion of Jesus
indicating action from one individual, group, etc, to another
cross-cultural
cross-fertilize
cross-refer
indicating movement, position, etc, across something (sometimes implying interference, opposition, or contrary action)
crosscurrent
crosstalk
indicating a crosslike figure or intersection
crossbones
a structure or symbol consisting essentially of two intersecting lines or pieces at right angles to one another
a wooden structure used as a means of execution, consisting of an upright post with a transverse piece to which people were nailed or tied
a representation of the Cross used as an emblem of Christianity or as a reminder of Christ's death
any mark or shape consisting of two intersecting lines, esp such a symbol ( × ) used as a signature, point of intersection, error mark, etc
a sign representing the Cross made either by tracing a figure in the air or by touching the forehead, breast, and either shoulder in turn
any conventional variation of the Christian symbol, used emblematically, decoratively, or heraldically, such as a Maltese, tau, or Greek cross
heraldry any of several charges in which one line crosses or joins another at right angles
a cruciform emblem awarded to indicate membership of an order or as a decoration for distinguished service
(sometimes capital) Christianity or Christendom, esp as contrasted with non-Christian religions
Cross and Crescent
the place in a town or village where a cross has been set up
a pipe fitting, in the form of a cross, for connecting four pipes
biology
the process of crossing; hybridization
an individual produced as a result of this process
a mixture of two qualities or types
he's a cross between a dictator and a saint
an opposition, hindrance, or misfortune; affliction (esp in the phrase bear one's cross )
slang a match or game in which the outcome has been rigged
slang a fraud or swindle
boxing a straight punch delivered from the side, esp with the right hand
football the act or an instance of kicking or passing the ball from a wing to the middle of the field
diagonally
slang dishonestly
(sometimes foll by over) to move or go across (something); traverse or intersect
we crossed the road
to meet and pass
the two trains crossed
(of each of two letters in the post) to be dispatched before receipt of the other
(tr; usually foll by out, off, or through) to cancel with a cross or with lines; delete
(tr) to place or put in a form resembling a cross
to cross one's legs
(tr) to mark with a cross or crosses
(tr) to draw two parallel lines across the face of (a cheque) and so make it payable only into a bank account
(tr)
to trace the form of the Cross, usually with the thumb or index finger upon (someone or something) in token of blessing
to make the sign of the Cross upon (oneself)
(intr) (of telephone lines) to interfere with each other so that three or perhaps four callers are connected together at one time
to cause fertilization between (plants or animals of different breeds, races, varieties, etc)
(tr) to oppose the wishes or plans of; thwart
his opponent crosses him at every turn
football to kick or pass (the ball) from a wing to the middle of the field
(tr) nautical to set (the yard of a square sail) athwartships
to deal with matters, problems, etc, as they arise; not to anticipate difficulties
to fold one finger across another in the hope of bringing good luck
keep your fingers crossed
to promise or pledge, esp by making the sign of a cross over one's heart
to occur to one briefly or suddenly
to give someone money
to meet or thwart someone
to argue or fight
What is a basic definition of cross? Cross as a verb means to begin at one side of something and finish at the opposite side. As an adjective, cross means angry and irritated. As a noun, cross refers to a structure that resembles a lowercase t or any object that has this shape. Cross has a huge number of other senses as a noun, verb, and adjective. When an object or living thing crosses something else, it physically moves from one side to the other, passes from one side to the other, or extends from one side to the other.
What does cross- mean? Cross- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning variously “transverse; going across something" or "cross," as in a figure or object resembling a cross, a structure or mark comprising two intersecting lines. It is often used in a variety of everyday and technical terms. Cross- ultimately comes from Latin crux, meaning “cross,” which is also the source of words such as crucial and cruciform. Learn more about this word at our entry for crux.
Cross, ill-natured, peevish, sullen refer to being in a bad mood or ill temper. Cross means temporarily in an irritable or fretful state, and somewhat angry: He gave her a cross reply and walked out of the room. Ill-natured implies a more permanent condition, without definite cause, and means unpleasant, unkind, inclined to snarl or be spiteful: an ill-natured dog; ill-natured spite. Peevish means complaining and snappish: She's acting like a peevish child again. Sullen suggests a kind of glowering silent gloominess and means refusing to speak because of bad humor, anger, or a sense of injury or resentment: I know I haven't called, but why are you suddenly so sullen and vindictive?
First recorded before 1000; Middle English, late Old English cros, from Old Norse kross, from Old Irish cros (from British Celtic ), from Latin crux; see crux
When you cross something, you travel over it — like when you cross the street, after looking both ways and using the crosswalk, of course. A commercial pilot might cross the continent several times a week, and a boy might cross several back yards on his way to school. Another kind of cross is a written mark, an upended X on a piece of paper. There's also the adjective cross, which describes someone who is extremely cranky. The Latin root word crux means "stake or cross," but its figurative meaning, "trouble or misery," is related to to traditional use of wooden crosses to hang criminals.
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Croatia fans can hardly believe that their extra-time equalizer against Portugal was wiped out for an offside call triggered by a cross grazing a player’s hair.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 13, 2026
Croatia’s World Cup was seconds away from being over and Portugal was seconds away from the round of 16 when Ivan Perisic sent a long, desperate cross into the penalty area.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 12, 2026
Jasem found the runner in behind before the cross was put away.
From BBC ● Jul. 10, 2026
It is expected to cross the Channel between France and the UK via the undersea railway link in a climate-controlled truck under police protection.
From Barron's ● Jul. 9, 2026
“Doesn’t get out much, the Major. Stays close to home. Poor dear. I suggested an outing once. ‘Let’s cross the river,’ I said.
From "The Very, Very Far North" by Dan Bar-el
Burnham has long advocated for an underground four-platform "Kings Cross of the North" with a northern version of London's Elizabeth Line.
From BBC ● Jul. 17, 2026
Last month, Israel’s High Court ruled that the ban on Red Cross visits to detainees violates international and Israeli law.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 15, 2026
Ruth Cross Kwansing, a government minister in Kiribati, said the concept of a "Blue Pacific continent" is fundamental to the region, and is driving the indignation.
From Barron's ● Jul. 10, 2026
In times past, the nation would have learned of the fate of the commonwealth’s senior senator because a bird-dog reporter like Al Cross would have tracked it all down and reported it.
From Salon ● Jul. 10, 2026
The answer stood out for me sharper and chillier than it ever had before that night: the shape of a Cross etched on the history of the world.
From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom
The new norms will enable standardised grip strength test results for cross- and within-country comparisons, to identify trends over time, monitor improvements and evaluate the effectiveness of implemented public health policies.
From Science Daily ● Dec. 6, 2024
The Big Three also agreed on a cross- channel invasion of Europe scheduled for May 1944, in conjunction with a Soviet attack on Germany’s eastern border.
From Textbooks ● Dec. 14, 2022
Over defense objections, Judge Jeffrey Jahns allowed prosecutors to cross- examine Troyer about a 2015 complaint about a Facebook message Troyer sent to a man who had criticized the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office.
From Seattle Times ● Dec. 12, 2022
“These cross- defendants are professionals who owed a duty to those on set, including Baldwin, to keep the set safe,” Baldwin’s attorney’s Luke Nikas wrote in his complaint.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 11, 2022
The knight seated himself cross- legged on the cushion.
From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin
Aguirre replaced Mora and goal-scorer Julián Quiñones, bringing on an attacking lineup that focused on sending in crosses, which the English defense easily cleared.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 12, 2026
It would free up Quinones so he could shoot, switch play or play inswinging crosses - like the one that resulted in Mexico's penalty.
From BBC ● Jul. 6, 2026
He punched away crosses, repelled free kick after free kick and, in one breath-catching moment, spread his limbs to deny Messi in a one-on-one.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 4, 2026
The whole skillet crosses an invisible line from “ingredients” into “dinner.”
From Salon ● Jul. 4, 2026
Ann crosses her arms over her chest and gives me a self-satisfied look.
From "Blood on the River" by Elisa Carbone
Today Kim Kardashian is a fashion mogul, prison reform advocate and crosser of picket lines.
From Salon ● Aug. 26, 2023
As a neighbor and frequent crosser of their campus, I deeply appreciate the peaceful beauty that you provide.
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 9, 2023
He was an adept crosser of high-traffic freeways — until he wasn’t.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 24, 2023
A fine crosser, his energy often drives the team forward in difficult moments.
From BBC ● May 24, 2022
“But if I do, I shall be crosser still. I can never bear to think of you all there without me.”
From "Emma" by Jane Austen
“You’re the crossest person in it!” returned Amy, washing out the sum that was all wrong with the tears that had fallen on her slate.
From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott
And, Phil, the crossest old cow lives in this field.
From Black-Eyed Susan by Phillips, Ethel Calvert
Why, he's the ugliest-tempered, crossest, hatefullest, disagreeablest old snapping-turtle ever you saw.
From Sharing Her Crime by Fleming, May Agnes
Thou hastenest to get there: thou crossest 19.7 its ford.
From Egyptian Literature Comprising Egyptian tales, hymns, litanies, invocations, the Book of the Dead, and cuneiform writings by Wilson, Epiphanius
There this Princess, the crossest and most disagreeable of all the disagreeable six, was curled up in bed and slumbering cosily.
From Sky Island Being the Further Exciting Adventures of Trot and Cap'n Bill after Their Visit to the Sea Fairies by Baum, L. Frank (Lyman Frank)
The flow eventually waned but picked up again during the morning rush hour on Wednesday as workers crossed over from the Spanish side.
From Barron's ● Jul. 15, 2026
Twenty years later, the insult was still on Argentina’s mind when the two sides crossed paths again at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 14, 2026
"Once we have crossed the tipping point," he says, "we can't do anything to stop the further shutdown."
From BBC ● Jul. 14, 2026
I had my fingers crossed that “Late Night” would haul out Mee-Maw for one last jig when it returned on Monday.
From Salon ● Jul. 14, 2026
When it came to sitting at a different table and the giant red line she’d crossed earlier, there was no comparison.
From "Bye Forever, I Guess" by Jodi Meadows
Leisure visits by people crossing both sides of the border are also affected.
From Barron's ● Jul. 15, 2026
“No matter what the federal government was doing, they knew that if they weren’t dotting their i’s and crossing their t’s, they were going to get called to account,” Hilton said.
From Salon ● Jul. 15, 2026
The symbolic ceremony took place at midnight, when a new treaty came into force removing the need for border checks at the crossing.
From BBC ● Jul. 15, 2026
The administration approved the company’s application to convert an abandoned 220-mile oil and gas pipeline crossing the desert to carry water instead.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 14, 2026
A flame, no matter how small, could at once draw a ghost while also keeping them from crossing the boundaries they ought not to cross.
From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny
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.
