crosswise

[ kraws-wahyz, kros- ]

adverb

1. across; transversely.
2. contrarily.
3. Archaic. in the form of a cross.

adjective

1. forming a cross; transverse.

crosswise

/ ˈkrɒsˌweɪz; ˈkrɒsˌwaɪz /

adjective

1. across; transversely
2. in the shape of a cross

Word History and Origins

Origin of crosswise¹

1350–1400; Middle English a cross wise in the form of a cross. See a- ¹, cross, wise ²

Example Sentences

When the balloon stretches, the width crosswise shrinks to the size of a string.

From Science Daily

Elected Republicans who once privately mocked the conspiracy theories about a stolen election now publicly insist that Mr. Trump was the true winner, out of fear of getting crosswise with their constituents or with him.

From New York Times

Thinly slice the roast crosswise and serve the meat and the ribs with the jus on the side.

From Seattle Times

China has accused him and wife Liu Fang of taking bribes; they deny it and say they were targeted because he got crosswise with China’s Communist power structure.

From Seattle Times

Cut each piece of pork in half lengthwise, then crosswise into bite-size pieces.

From Washington Times

Related Words

• across
• crossways
• diagonally