rood

American  

[rood] / rud /

noun

roods plural

1. a crucifix, especially a large one at the entrance to the choir or chancel of a medieval church, often supported on a rood beam or rood screen.

2. a cross as used in crucifixion.

3. a unit of length varying locally from 5½ to 8 yards (5 to 7 meters).

4. a unit of land measure equal to 40 square rods or ¼ acre (0.10117 hectare).

5. a unit of 1 square rod (25.29 sq. m).

6. Archaic. the cross on which Christ died.

---

rood British  

/ ruːd /

noun

1. 1. a crucifix, esp one set on a beam or screen at the entrance to the chancel of a church

   2. ( as modifier )

      rood beam

      rood arch

      rood screen

2. the Cross on which Christ was crucified

3. a unit of area equal to one quarter of an acre or 0.10117 hectares

4. a unit of area equal to 40 square rods

---

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• roods
  plural

Etymology

Origin of rood

before 900; Middle English; Old English rōd pole, crucifix; cognate with German Rute rod, twig

Example Sentences

“We intend to use the proceeds for research and development, investment in strategic business initiatives and general corporate purposes,” Momentus CEO John Rood said in a statement.

From MarketWatch • May 27, 2026

With the growth of canals and railroads in the 19th century, Americans’ taste for coffee spread across the country, accelerated, Mr. Rood says, by the “product-cheapening” mass production of the plantation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

John Rood, chief marketing officer for Magid, said consumers’ willingness to turn on the TV at all hours will continue to benefit the Olympics as time goes on.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 9, 2024

In 2020, Rood had conducted an analysis of precarious rocks along the Hosgri fault near California’s Diablo Canyon Power Plant to gauge the earthquake threat to the plant’s nuclear reactors.

From Science Magazine • Dec. 14, 2023

In the aisle once stood a chapel, altar, and image of St. Catherine, with a light burning before it, and against one of the pillars stood a famous rood, called the Brown Rood.

From Rambles in an Old City comprising antiquarian, historical, biographical and political associations by Madders, S. S.