crossing

American  

[kraw-sing, kros-ing] / ˈkrɔ sɪŋ, ˈkrɒs ɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of a person or thing that crosses. cross.

2. a place where lines, streets, tracks, etc., cross each other.

3. a place at which a road, railroad track, river, etc., may be crossed. crossed.

4. hybridization; crossbreeding.

5. the act of opposing or thwarting; frustration; contradiction.

6. the intersection of nave and transept in a cruciform church.

7. Railroads. a track structure composed of four connected frogs, permitting two tracks to cross each other at grade with sufficient clearance for wheel flanges.

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crossing British  

/ ˈkrɒsɪŋ /

noun

1. the place where one thing crosses another

2. a place, often shown by markings, lights, or poles, where a street, railway, etc, may be crossed

3. the intersection of the nave and transept in a church

4. the act or instance of travelling across something, esp the sea

5. the act or process of crossbreeding

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Other Word Forms

• subcrossing noun

Etymology

Origin of crossing

1375–1425; late Middle English. See cross, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

“It would take forever and would expose all those crossing the strait to risks” of Iranian attack, he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

Of the vessels that made the crossing, 60 percent either came from Iran or were heading there.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

“We are more than just crossing the border and getting deported. We have feelings. We have a past. We have a present. We have complex stories.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

"Even if the French do stop boats from crossing, the same people come back the next time there is a calm day," he added.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

“I lift my father’s barbells,” I said, crossing my fingers.

From "Fourth Grade Rats" by Jerry Spinelli

Related Words

• bridge
• crossroad
• intersection
• junction
• overpass
• passage