cross-stitch
Americannoun
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a stitch in which pairs of diagonal stitches of the same length cross each other in the middle to form an X .
-
embroidery or needlepoint done with this stitch.
verb (used with or without object)
noun
-
an embroidery stitch made by two stitches forming a cross
-
embroidery worked with this stitch
verb
Etymology
Origin of cross-stitch
First recorded in 1700–10
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A defining moment in their meeting is when Ruth reads part of a Tennessee Williams quote rendered in cross-stitch.
From Salon ● Jun. 18, 2026
Chatinas learn to cross-stitch as young girls because embroidering birds and flowers has a spiritual meaning.
From Seattle Times ● Jul. 25, 2023
It’s also even in more mundane ways, in cross-stitch, in crotchet and quilting, creating beauty literally from the scraps on the margins.
From Washington Post ● Jul. 12, 2022
I won’t reveal the contents of the final section; that would unravel Diaz’s careful cross-stitch.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 29, 2022
“Do you know how to cross-stitch? Hem? Can you do backstitching by hand?”
From "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
