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.

---

noun

• cross-countries
  plural

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

---

noun

1. a long race held over open ground

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• cross-countries
  plural

---

Etymology

Origin of cross-country

First recorded in 1760–70

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

cross-country cross-countries

Brayden McLaughlin, a sub-2:17 marathoner, combines training, helping coach the cross-country and track teams at Cal State East Bay and working at Fleet Feet in Pleasanton, Calif.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 29, 2026

With no previous experience of the sport, he has just qualified to enter international competitions as a para biathlete - which combines cross-country skiing and shooting.

From BBC ● Oct. 28, 2026

But this stable aggregate masks large cross-country offsetting movements.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 13, 2026

In it, Tinoco’s sister wrote that Abigail was a graduate of Downey High School and an athlete on the track and cross-country teams before she attended UCLA.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 6, 2026

In cross-country competition, training counted more than intrinsic ability, and I could compensate for a lack of natural aptitude with diligence and discipline.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Then you'll be with us on the morning cross-countries again.

From The High School Left End Dick & Co. Grilling on the Football Gridiron by H. Irving (Harrie Irving) Hancock

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---