crossover

American  

[kraws-oh-ver, kros-] / ˈkrɔsˌoʊ vər, ˈkrɒs- /

noun

1. a bridge or other structure for crossing over a river, highway, etc.

2. Genetics.

   1. crossing over.

   2. a genotype resulting from crossing over.

3. Popular Music.

   1. the act of crossing over in style, usually with the intention of broadening the commercial appeal to a wider audience.

   2. music that crosses over in style, occasionally sharing attributes with several musical styles and therefore often appealing to a broader audience.

4. Also called crossover voter.  U.S. Politics. a member of one political party who votes for the candidate of another party in a primary.

5. crossover network.

6. Railroads. a track structure composed of two or more turnouts, permitting movement of cars from either of two parallel and adjacent tracks to the other.

7. Dance.

   1. a step in which dancers exchange places.

   2. a step involving partners in which the woman moves from one side of her partner to the other, crossing in front of him.

8. Bowling. a ball that strikes the side of the head pin opposite to the bowling hand of the bowler.

9. (in plumbing) a U -shaped pipe for bypassing another pipe.

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crossover British  

/ ˈkrɒsˌəʊvə /

noun

1. a place at which a crossing is made

2. genetics

   1. another term for crossing over

   2. a chromosomal structure or character resulting from crossing over

3. railways a point of transfer between two main lines

4. short for crossover network

5. a recording, book, or other product that becomes popular in a genre other than its own

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adjective

1. (of music, fashion, art, etc) combining two distinct styles

2. (of a performer, writer, recording, book, etc) having become popular in more than one genre

Etymology

Origin of crossover

First recorded in 1785–95; noun use of verb phrase cross over

Example Sentences

The third season of “Mormon Wives” featured the fallout from an explosive crossover with Hulu’s other reality series, which follows former Bravo star Lisa Vanderpump and her staff at various luxury European estates.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

If its viewership shares some crossover with “Rings of Power,” that shouldn’t be surprising.

From Salon • Mar. 29, 2026

Based on the current trajectories of those moving averages for the XLF, the crossover will occur on Monday.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 14, 2026

He has gained momentum with his faith-based and inclusive messaging that his campaign hopes will draw in moderates and crossover voters.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 4, 2026

The people I passed would look me up and down, and I would look back, give the traditional head nod, and then go back to practicing my crossover dribble.

From "The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates" by Wes Moore