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.

---

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

---

Example Sentences

YOUNTVILLE, Calif.—The town council meeting opened with a proclamation for Red Cross Month.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

He said the Red Cross had sent a letter to the foreign ministry to contact the UN "regarding the protection of medical teams" and securing safe access routes.

From Barron's • Mar. 17, 2026

"The two groups need to be treated differently under our treaty obligations," the official said, asking not to be named, saying Sri Lanka has asked the International Committee of the Red Cross for help.

From Barron's • Mar. 9, 2026

He said Pasadena Humane was able to assist animals at a Red Cross evacuation center during the Eaton fire.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026

For a time she put on a Red Cross uniform and met other ladies similarly dressed in the armory, where bandages were rolled and reputations unrolled.

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck