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

McKechnie stepped up and blasted a powerful strike... against the upper side of the crossbar.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

Arteta felt the game had "different phases" and his side were "very dominant" in the first half, but did not take the early chance they had when Gabriel Martinelli's powerful shot hit the crossbar.

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026

“She takes all the five meters and I trust her with every play,” San Pedro coach Stephanie Cuevas said of Mahi, who had two other shots bang off the crossbar.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 19, 2026

With 56 minutes gone, Angelo Stiller swung in a free-kick and Undav made space in a crowded box before getting his toe to the ball, which drifted over the defence and under the crossbar.

From Barron's • Feb. 4, 2026

He popped open a hatch on the sphere, teased out two wires, and connected them to his crossbar.

From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan

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