crossroad

[kraws-rohd, kros-]

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.

crossroad

/ ˈkrɒsˌrəʊd /

noun

1. a road that crosses another road

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of crossroad¹

First recorded in 1710–20; cross- + road

Example Sentences

“In tough times, on the difficult paths, on the challenging crossroads, shines the spiritual light of the warrior who knows how to fight and win,” Nicaragua’s Daniel Ortega said in a letter.

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That made them smile, and they were all in better spirits by the time they reached the crossroads.

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Both of them are at a crossroads, neither sure what the future holds.

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For centuries it was “the world’s greatest melting pot” of indigenous, European, African, Caribbean and Asian peoples, the crossroads of the vast Spanish empire.

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One of America’s newest protected public lands is a birthplace, a crossroads, a beloved relative and a historical document to the tribes of the California desert.

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Related Words

• intersection