Red Cross

American  

Also red cross

noun

1. an international philanthropic organization Red Cross Society, formed in consequence of the Geneva Convention of 1864, to care for the sick and wounded in war, secure neutrality of nurses, hospitals, etc., and help relieve suffering caused by pestilence, floods, fires, and other calamities.

2. a branch of this organization.

   the American Red Cross.

3. the English national emblem of St. George's cross.

4. Geneva cross.

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Red Cross British  

noun

1. an international humanitarian organization ( Red Cross Society ) formally established by the Geneva Convention of 1864. It was originally limited to providing medical care for war casualties, but its services now include liaison between prisoners of war and their families, relief to victims of natural disasters, etc

2. any national branch of this organization

3. the emblem of this organization, consisting of a red cross on a white background

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Example Sentences

“They’ve been doing a really good job — the Red Cross really came through,” said Edward Cho, 37, a cook who has been living with his 72-year-old mother, a cancer patient.

From Los Angeles Times • May 25, 2026

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has deployed hundreds of volunteers to support response efforts in the region.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 24, 2026

Three Red Cross volunteers died in the Democratic Republic of Congo from suspected Ebola likely caught while managing dead bodies, the organisation has said.

From BBC • May 23, 2026

In January, the American Red Cross declared a blood emergency after the national supply fell 35 percent that month, due to interruptions to blood drives caused by snowstorms and a nationwide flu outbreak.

From Slate • May 9, 2026

With the Director’s attention elsewhere and the drones quiet for the day to make the Red Cross visitors more comfortable, this is a rare moment we need to take advantage of.

From "Internment" by Samira Ahmed