cross-country

American  

[kraws-kuhn-tree, kros-, kraws-kuhn-tree, -kuhn-, kros-] / ˈkrɔsˌkʌn tri, ˈkrɒs-, ˈkrɔsˈkʌn tri, -ˌkʌn-, ˈkrɒs- /

adjective

1. directed or proceeding over fields, through woods, etc., rather than on a road or path.

   a cross-country race.

2. from one end of the country to the other.

   a cross-country flight.

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noun

plural

cross-countries

1. a cross-country sport or race.

cross-country British  

adjective

1. by way of fields, woods, etc, as opposed to roads

   cross-country running

2. across a country

   a cross-country railway

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noun

1. a long race held over open ground

Etymology

Origin of cross-country

First recorded in 1760–70

Example Sentences

Glen Eberle, an Idaho native, represented Team USA in 1984 in biathlon—a sport that combines cross-country skiing with rifle shooting.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

As I became a teenager and a cross-country runner, complaints were voiced about my various odors.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

He started running cross-country in fifth grade and it brought him a sense of freedom — from the dissonance inside his mind as well as from the house.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 2026

Double Summer Paralympic gold medallist Lauren Parker will make her Winter Games debut when she represents Australia in the biathlon and cross-country events.

From Barron's • Mar. 6, 2026

Shia and Jo from girl’s varsity cross-country at Montevideo High, who invited her to come meet their team.

From "A Heart in a Body in the World" by Deb Caletti