crossbar

American  

[kraws-bahr, kros-] / ˈkrɔsˌbɑr, ˈkrɒs- /

noun

1. a horizontal bar, line, or stripe.

2. the horizontal bar forming part of the goal posts, as in football and soccer.

3. a horizontal bar used for gymnastics.

4. a horizontal bar that rests on uprights and that an athlete must clear in performing the pole vault or high jump.

5. a horizontal line in some letters of the alphabet, as in capital H.

6. the horizontal top bar on the frame of a man's bicycle.

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crossbar British  

/ ˈkrɒsˌbɑː /

noun

1. a horizontal bar, line, stripe, etc

2. a horizontal beam across a pair of goalposts

3. a horizontal bar mounted on vertical posts used in athletics or show-jumping

4. the horizontal bar on a man's bicycle that joins the handlebar and saddle supports

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Etymology

Origin of crossbar

First recorded in 1550–60; cross- + bar ¹

Example Sentences

The first was a long-range shot by Álex Baena that hit the crossbar; on the rebound, Yamal fired the ball straight into the Austria goalkeeper’s body.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 2, 2026

The moment that Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes’s effort sailed over the crossbar, Paris Saint-Germain was still—and once again—a European champion.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 30, 2026

Zellweger, given a ton of space inside the left circle, evened the score by lining a wrist shot over Hart’s left shoulder and off the crossbar late in the period.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2026

Thelo Aasgaard hitting the Hearts crossbar with a dozen minutes left to play was another reminder of the turbulence of these games.

From BBC • May 4, 2026

He’s also welded a crossbar between the handles so I can push one-handed if my arms need a break.

From "The Running Dream" by Wendelin Van Draanen

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