crisscross

[ kris-kraws, -kros ]

verb (used with object)

1. to move back and forth over:

   students crisscrossing the field on their way to school.

2. to mark with crossing lines.

verb (used without object)

1. to proceed or pass back and forth; be arranged in a crisscross pattern:

   The streets in that part of town crisscross confusingly.

adjective

1. Also crisscrossed. having many crossing lines, paths, etc.

noun

1. a crisscross mark, pattern, etc.
2. tick-tack-toe.

adverb

1. in a crisscross manner; crosswise.
2. awry; askew.

crisscross

/ ˈkrɪsˌkrɒs /

verb

1. to move or cause to move in a crosswise pattern
2. to mark with or consist of a pattern of crossing lines

adjective

1. (esp of a number of lines) crossing one another in different directions

noun

1. a pattern made of crossing lines
2. a US term for noughts and crosses

adverb

1. in a crosswise manner or pattern

Word History and Origins

Origin of crisscross¹

First recorded in 1810–20; variant of christcross

Example Sentences

Every night, Ukrainians go to sleep to notifications pinging on their phones, as inbound drones crisscross the country, setting sirens blaring.

From BBC

“When I do vocals now, I’m crisscross applesauce on the floor with a mic in my hand.”

From Los Angeles Times

Now, roughly one month later, tree removal crews and electrical trucks crisscross the property.

From Los Angeles Times

But the past month had seen USC and its quarterback crisscross the country, its College Football Playoff hopes unraveling over three Big Ten trips across multiple time zones.

From Los Angeles Times

The escalation comes even as U.S. officials crisscross the region imploring leaders to avoid inflaming tensions — a plea evidently ignored.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cross
• interlaced
• intersecting
• interwoven
• woven