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

In cars rented in Nashville or Memphis, we crisscrossed five sprawling counties, from the Alabama state line north into Kentucky.

From New York Times

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

From BBC

Jurado, who spent much of election day crisscrossing the district, said her campaign was about making sure that city services are delivered equitably, among other things.

From Los Angeles Times

Each subsequent record was more successful than the last, while the band ceaselessly crisscrossed the country for gigs.

From Los Angeles Times

After crisscrossing America, the Democratic governor is spending the final days of the 2024 election in a place where he hasn’t campaigned very much this year: his home state.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cross
• interlaced
• intersecting
• interwoven
• woven