crossroad

American  

[kraws-rohd, kros-] / ˈkrɔsˌroʊd, ˈkrɒs- /

noun

1. a road that crosses another road, or one that runs transversely to main roads.

2. a by-road.

3. (used with a singular or plural verb) Often crossroads.

   1. the place where roads intersect.

   2. a point at which a vital decision must be made.

   3. a main center of activity.

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crossroad British  

/ ˈkrɒsˌrəʊd /

noun

1. a road that crosses another road

2. Also called: crossway.  a road that crosses from one main road to another

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Etymology

Origin of crossroad

First recorded in 1710–20; cross- + road

Example Sentences

At each of the big crossroads in life, I chose the path that was more difficult but would have a greater impact.

From Los Angeles Times

“Being assimilated,” the author writes, “placed you at a crossroads.”

From The Wall Street Journal

El-Obeid, the region's main city, lies on a key crossroads connecting the capital Khartoum with the vast western Darfur region -- where the army lost its last major position in October.

From Barron's

Taiwan, a democratically governed island, sits at a crucial maritime crossroads.

From The Wall Street Journal

Our image of the Continent in the years before 1914 tends to emphasize Central Europe, especially Vienna, as a crossroads of high culture.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• intersection