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cross-train

American  
[kraws-trayn, kros-] / ˈkrɔsˈtreɪn, ˈkrɒs- /

verb (used with object)

  1. to train (a worker, athlete, etc.) to be proficient at different, usually related, skills, tasks, jobs, etc.


verb (used without object)

  1. (of an athlete) to train in more than one sport.

  2. to learn different, usually related, tasks, skills, jobs, etc.

Etymology

Origin of cross-train

First recorded in 1980–85


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.

See Examples For:

But the organization didn’t seriously explore the idea until the end of last season, when they started having him cross-train to see how he’d fare.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 28, 2025

She tried to cross-train to get ready for Saturday’s race in Orlando, Florida, but made the decision to drop out to avoid risking further injury.

From Seattle Times ● Feb. 1, 2024

Instead, it recommends that you reduce your carb and sweets intake for two weeks and cross-train.

From The Verge ● May 11, 2022

Eight months later, at his first NFL training camp in Richmond, line coach Bill Callahan asked the team’s center, Spencer Long, to help cross-train Roullier at interior positions.

From Washington Post ● Oct. 29, 2021

"It has got to wait at Layton's Heath for a cross-train; and if that don't keep its time—and it never do—this one can't."

From Trevlyn Hold by Mrs. Henry Wood

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