cross

¹

[ kraws, kros ]

noun

1. a structure consisting essentially of an upright and a transverse piece, used to execute persons in ancient times.
2. any object, figure, or mark resembling a cross, as two intersecting lines.
3. a mark resembling a cross, usually an X, made instead of a signature by a person unable to write.
4. the Cross, the cross upon which Jesus died.
5. a figure of the Cross as a Christian emblem, badge, etc.
6. the Cross as the symbol of Christianity.
7. a small cross with a human figure attached to it, as a representation of Jesus crucified; crucifix.
8. a sign made with the right hand by tracing the figure of a cross in the air or by touching the foreheard, chest, and shoulders, as an act of devotion.
9. a structure or monument in the form of a cross, set up for prayer, as a memorial, etc.
10. any of various conventional representations or modifications of the Christian emblem used symbolically or for ornament, as in heraldry or art:

    a Latin cross;

    a Maltese cross.

11. the crucifixion of Jesus as the culmination of His redemptive mission.
12. any suffering endured for Jesus' sake.
13. the teaching of redemption gained by Jesus' death.
14. the Christian religion, or those who accept it; Christianity; Christendom.
15. an opposition; thwarting; frustration.
16. any misfortune; trouble.
17. a crossing of animals or plants; a mixing of breeds.
18. an animal, plant, breed, etc., produced by crossing; crossbreed.
19. a person or thing that is intermediate in character between two others.
20. Boxing. a punch thrown across and over the lead of an opponent:

    a left jab, followed by a right cross.

21. Older Slang. a contest the result of which is dishonestly arranged beforehand:

    Many of the onlookers, especially some who had bet heavily on Taylor, complained loudly that the fight was a “damnable cross.”

22. a crossing.
23. a place of crossing.
24. Plumbing. a four-way joint or connection.
25. Theater. an actor's movement from one area of a stage to another.
26. Also called cross-trade [kraws, -treyd, kros, -]. Stock Exchange. an arrangement for the simultaneous sale and purchase of a block of stock handled by a single broker.
27. Machinery. spider ( def ).
28. (initial capital letter) Astronomy. Southern Cross.

verb (used with object)

1. to move, pass, or extend from one side to the other side of (a street, river, etc.).

   Synonyms: bridge, span, traverse

2. to put or draw (a line, lines, etc.) across.
3. to cancel by marking with a cross or with a line or lines (often followed by off or out ).
4. to mark with a cross.
5. to lie or pass across; intersect.
6. to meet and pass.
7. to transport across something.
8. to assist or guide (a person) across a street or intersection:

   The guard crossed the child at the traffic light.

9. to place in the form of a cross or crosswise.
10. Biology. to cause (members of different genera, species, breeds, varieties, or the like) to interbreed.
11. to oppose openly; thwart; frustrate.

    Synonyms: contradict, foil, baffle

    Antonyms: help, assist, aid

12. Slang. to betray; double-cross.
13. to make the sign of a cross upon or over, as in devotion:

    to cross oneself.

14. Nautical. to set (a yard) in proper position on a mast.
15. Obsolete. to confront in a hostile manner.

verb (used without object)

1. to lie or be athwart; intersect.
2. to move, pass, or extend from one side or place to another:

   Cross at the intersection.

3. to meet and pass.
4. to interbreed.
5. Theater. to move from one side of the stage to the other, especially by passing downstage of another actor.

adjective

, cross·er, cross·est.

1. angry and annoyed; ill-humored; snappish:

   Don't be cross with me.

   Synonyms: ill-tempered, testy, touchy, fretful, irritable, impatient, cranky, cantankerous, sulky, churlish, crabbed, waspish, irascible, fractious, petulant

   Antonyms: agreeable, good-humored, good-natured

2. lying or passing crosswise or across each other; athwart; transverse:

   cross timbers.

3. involving a reciprocal action, interchange, or the like:

   a cross-endorsement of political candidates;

   cross-marketing of related services.

4. contrary; opposite:

   They were at cross purposes with each other.

5. adverse; unfavorable.
6. crossbred; hybrid.

verb phrase

1. Also cross over to the other side.
   1. Biology. (of a chromosome segment) to undergo crossing over.
   2. to switch allegiance, as from one political party to another.
   3. to change successfully from one field of endeavor, genre, etc., to another:

      to cross over from jazz to rock.

   4. to die; pass away.
2. 1. to change arrangements made with; deceive:

      He crossed me up after we had agreed to tell the police the same story.

   2. to confuse:

      I was supposed to meet him at the station, but got crossed up.

Cross

²

[ kraws, kros ]

noun

1. Wilbur Lucius, 1862–1948, U.S. educator: governor of Connecticut 1931–39.

cross-

³

1. a combining form of cross, used to indicate an interaction or exchange of two or more things ( cross-addicted, cross-cultural, cross-pollination ), the extension across a space or the covering of a distance ( cross-border, crosscountry ), or the passing across or perpendicular intersection with something ( crossbar, crosscurrent ).

cross-

¹

combining_form

1. indicating action from one individual, group, etc, to another

   cross-refer

   cross-fertilize

   cross-cultural

2. indicating movement, position, etc, across something (sometimes implying interference, opposition, or contrary action)

   crosscurrent

   crosstalk

3. indicating a crosslike figure or intersection

   crossbones

cross

²

/ krɒs /

noun

1. a structure or symbol consisting essentially of two intersecting lines or pieces at right angles to one another
2. a wooden structure used as a means of execution, consisting of an upright post with a transverse piece to which people were nailed or tied
3. a representation of the Cross used as an emblem of Christianity or as a reminder of Christ's death
4. any mark or shape consisting of two intersecting lines, esp such a symbol ( × ) used as a signature, point of intersection, error mark, etc
5. a sign representing the Cross made either by tracing a figure in the air or by touching the forehead, breast, and either shoulder in turn
6. any conventional variation of the Christian symbol, used emblematically, decoratively, or heraldically, such as a Maltese, tau, or Greek cross
7. heraldry any of several charges in which one line crosses or joins another at right angles
8. a cruciform emblem awarded to indicate membership of an order or as a decoration for distinguished service
9. sometimes capital Christianity or Christendom, esp as contrasted with non-Christian religions

   Cross and Crescent

10. the place in a town or village where a cross has been set up
11. a pipe fitting, in the form of a cross, for connecting four pipes
12. biology
    1. the process of crossing; hybridization
    2. an individual produced as a result of this process
13. a mixture of two qualities or types

    he's a cross between a dictator and a saint

14. an opposition, hindrance, or misfortune; affliction (esp in the phrase bear one's cross )
15. slang.
    a match or game in which the outcome has been rigged
16. slang.
    a fraud or swindle
17. boxing a straight punch delivered from the side, esp with the right hand
18. football the act or an instance of kicking or passing the ball from a wing to the middle of the field
19. on the cross
    1. diagonally
    2. dishonestly

verb

1. sometimes foll by over to move or go across (something); traverse or intersect

   we crossed the road

2. 1. to meet and pass

      the two trains crossed

   2. (of each of two letters in the post) to be dispatched before receipt of the other
3. tr; usually foll by out, off, or through to cancel with a cross or with lines; delete
4. tr to place or put in a form resembling a cross

   to cross one's legs

5. tr to mark with a cross or crosses
6. tr to draw two parallel lines across the face of (a cheque) and so make it payable only into a bank account
7. tr
   1. to trace the form of the Cross, usually with the thumb or index finger upon (someone or something) in token of blessing
   2. to make the sign of the Cross upon (oneself)
8. intr (of telephone lines) to interfere with each other so that three or perhaps four callers are connected together at one time
9. to cause fertilization between (plants or animals of different breeds, races, varieties, etc)
10. tr to oppose the wishes or plans of; thwart

    his opponent crosses him at every turn

11. football to kick or pass (the ball) from a wing to the middle of the field
12. tr nautical to set (the yard of a square sail) athwartships
13. cross a bridge when one comes to it
    to deal with matters, problems, etc, as they arise; not to anticipate difficulties
14. cross one's fingers
    to fold one finger across another in the hope of bringing good luck

    keep your fingers crossed

15. cross one's heart
    to promise or pledge, esp by making the sign of a cross over one's heart
16. cross one's mind
    to occur to one briefly or suddenly
17. cross someone's palm
    to give someone money
18. cross someone's path
    to meet or thwart someone
19. cross swords
    to argue or fight

adjective

1. angry; ill-humoured; vexed
2. lying or placed across; transverse

   a cross timber

3. involving interchange; reciprocal
4. contrary or unfavourable
5. another word for crossbred
6. a Brit slang word for dishonest

Cross

³

/ krɒs /

noun

1. CrossRichard Assheton18231914MBritishPOLITICS: statesman Richard Assheton , 1st Viscount. 1823–1914, British Conservative statesman, home secretary (1874–80); noted for reforms affecting housing, public health, and the employment of women and children in factories

Cross

⁴

/ krɒs /

noun

1. the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified
2. the Crucifixion of Jesus

cross

/ krôs /

Noun

1. A plant or animal produced by crossbreeding; a hybrid.

Verb

1. To crossbreed or cross-fertilize plants or animals.

Derived Forms

• ˈcrossly, adverb
• ˈcrosser, noun
• ˈcrossness, noun

Other Words From

• cross·a·ble adjective
• cross·a·bil·i·ty [kraw-s, uh, -, bil, -i-tee, kros-], noun
• re·cross verb
• un·cross·a·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cross¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English, late Old English cros, from Old Norse kross, from Old Irish cros (from British Celtic ), from Latin crux; crux

Word History and Origins

Origin of cross¹

from cross (in various senses)

Origin of cross²

Old English cros, from Old Irish cross (unattested), from Latin crux; see crux

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. bear one's cross, to accept trials or troubles patiently.
2. cross someone's palm (with silver), to give money to, especially in payment for a service:

   I shall tell your fortune, but you must first cross my palm with silver.

3. cross the line, line ¹( def 68 ).
4. on the cross, Older Slang. in a dishonest manner; illegally:

   Her elegant clothes and those two splendid rings had been acquired on the cross.

5. take the cross, to make the vows of a crusader.
6. cross one's heart. heart ( def 24 ).
7. cross one's mind. mind ( def 37 ).
8. cross one's path. path ( def 7 ).

More idioms and phrases containing cross

• at cross purposes
• at the crossroads
• caught in the middle (cross-fire)
• dot one's i's and cross one's t's
• double cross
• get one's wires crossed

Synonym Study

Cross, ill-natured, peevish, sullen refer to being in a bad mood or ill temper. Cross means temporarily in an irritable or fretful state, and somewhat angry: He gave her a cross reply and walked out of the room. Ill-natured implies a more permanent condition, without definite cause, and means unpleasant, unkind, inclined to snarl or be spiteful: an ill-natured dog; ill-natured spite. Peevish means complaining and snappish: She's acting like a peevish child again. Sullen suggests a kind of glowering silent gloominess and means refusing to speak because of bad humor, anger, or a sense of injury or resentment: I know I haven't called, but why are you suddenly so sullen and vindictive?

Example Sentences

He appeared relaxed, wrapping a white scarf around his neck and reclining with legs crossed and a hot mug of coffee.

From Salon

We do know that as head of ICE, he oversaw the separation of families who dared to cross the border in search of a safer, better life.

From Los Angeles Times

In Auckland, it took an estimated 5,000 marchers two hours to cross the harbour bridge.

From BBC

More than 50 people have died trying to cross the English Channel in 2024.

From BBC

“It was only thanks to God that I survived,” he exclaims, furiously making the sign of the cross three times.

From BBC

Related Words

• across
• athwart
• crisscross
• crosswise
• intersecting
• transverse

More About Cross

What is a basic definition of cross?

Cross as a verb means to begin at one side of something and finish at the opposite side. As an adjective, cross means angry and irritated. As a noun, cross refers to a structure that resembles a lowercase t or any object that has this shape. Cross has a huge number of other senses as a noun, verb, and adjective.

When an object or living thing crosses something else, it physically moves from one side to the other, passes from one side to the other, or extends from one side to the other.

• Real-life examples: A chicken crosses (walks across) a road. An airplane crosses (passes over) the Atlantic Ocean. A bridge crosses (extends over) a raging river.
• Used in a sentence: She slowly crossed the rickety bridge. 

As an adjective, cross is used to describe a person who is angry, annoyed, or generally in a bad mood. This sense is often written as “be cross with.”

• Real-life examples: Teachers get cross when students don’t do their homework. A person waiting in line for hours will most likely become cross. Service people are told not to be cross with rude customers and maintain a sense of calm.
• Used in a sentence: She was very cross with her brother after he forgot her birthday. 

The noun sense of cross refers to an object made from a horizontal piece and a vertical piece to form a structure that resembles a lowercase t. This object has a huge historical and religious significance, especially among Christians.

A wooden cross was used by the ancient Romans in order to perform a crucifixion, a horrible execution method in which a person was bound or nailed to a cross until they died. Jesus Christ, an extremely important person in Christianity, was famously executed by the Romans by being nailed to a cross.

The cross or “the Cross” (meaning the specific one Jesus died on) is a holy symbol to Christians and a cross shape is often used as the symbol of Christianity. Many Christians have crosses in their homes or on their vehicles or wear one on a necklace.

• Real-life examples: Most Christian bibles have a cross on the cover. Most Christian churches have a cross (or many crosses) on or inside the building. Many Christian works of art depict crosses or the crucifixion of Jesus on the Cross.
• Used in a sentence: The priest’s cane had a cross painted on it.

Where does cross come from?

The first records of cross come from before the year 1000. It ultimately comes from the Latin word crux.

In Latin, crux referred specifically to the cross or wooden stake that was used to torture or execute someone. The modern English word crux can refer to a cross but also has figurative meanings.

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to cross?

• crossly (adverb)
• crossness (noun)
• crossable (adjective)
• crossability (noun)
• recross (verb)

What are some synonyms for cross?

• angry
• annoyed
• traverse
• cut across
• span
• navigate

What are some words that share a root or word element with cross? 

• across
• crosswise
• crisscross
• crossbar
• crossroads
• cross a bridge when one comes to it

What are some words that often get used in discussing cross?

• Jesus
• walk
• reference
• fingers
• double

How is cross used in real life?

Cross is an extremely common word. It often means to move across something, but the many Christian senses of cross are also quite common.

Helped a man with impaired vision cross the street when I noticed the audio from the lights was broken. He was very nice and bought me a coffee. I'd say that's a pretty good start to my day

— big shy (@Isca_SK) November 28, 2020

Mike is getting cross with me because he is watching Game of Thrones and I keep shouting DED randomly because everyone seems to be murdered.

— Carrie Dunn (@carriesparkle) January 2, 2013

Christ isn’t a symbol. He’s eternal. You don’t need to wear a cross to show you walk with him. Your words and presence should glow from him.

— Kaya Jones (@KayaJones) March 11, 2018

Try using cross!

Is cross used correctly in the following sentence?

The zebras stayed on the near side of the riverbank because the crocodiles made the river too dangerous to cross.