1
a
: a structure consisting of an upright with a transverse beam used especially by the ancient Romans for execution
b
often capitalized
: the cross on which Jesus was crucified
2
a
b
: an affliction that tries one's virtue, steadfastness, or patience
We all have our crosses to bear.
3
: a cruciform sign made to invoke the blessing of Christ especially by touching the forehead, breast, and shoulders
4
a
: a device composed of an upright bar traversed (see traverse entry 1 sense transitive 3) by a horizontal one
specifically
: one used as a Christian symbol
b
capitalized
: the Christian religion
5
: a structure (such as a monument) shaped like or surmounted by a cross
a cross over a grave
6
: a figure or mark formed by two intersecting lines crossing at their midpoints
The crosses at the end of the letter indicate kisses.
specifically
: such a mark used as a signature
7
: a cruciform badge, emblem, or decoration
8
: the intersection of two ways or lines : crossing
10
a
: an act of crossing (see cross entry 2 sense 8) dissimilar individuals
b
: a crossbred individual or kind
The dog is a cross of a hunting dog and a sheepdog.
c
: one that combines characteristics of two different types or individuals
A zedonk is a cross between a zebra and a donkey.
11
a
: a fraudulent or dishonest contest
"I never fought a cross or struck a foul blow in my life … "—George Bernard Shaw
b
: dishonest or illegal practices
—used especially in the phrase on the cross
12
: a movement from one part of a theater stage to another
13
a
: a punch thrown over the opponent's lead in boxing
hit him with a right cross
b
: an attacking pass in soccer played across the field from one side to the other or to the middle
14
: a security transaction in which a broker acts for both buyer and seller (as in the placing of a large lot of common stock)
called also cross-trade
crossed; crossing; crosses
1
a
: to lie or be situated across
b
2
: to make the sign of the cross upon or over
3
: to cancel by marking a cross on or drawing a line through : strike out
cross names off a list
4
: to place or fold crosswise one over the other
cross the arms
5
a(1)
: to run counter to : oppose
(2)
: to deny the validity of : contradict
b
: to confront in a troublesome manner : obstruct
6
7
a
: to draw a line across
b
: to mark or figure with lines : streak
8
: to cause (an animal or plant) to interbreed with one of a different kind : hybridize
9
: to meet and pass on the way
Our letters must have crossed each other.
10
: to occur to
It never crossed my mind.
11
: to carry or take across something
crossed the children at the intersection
12
: to turn (the eyes) inward toward the nose
The boy made a funny face and crossed his eyes.
1
a
: to move, pass, or extend across something
crossed through France
crossed over to the other side of the river
b
: to move or pass from one character, condition, or allegiance to another
—used with over
crossing over to vote for another party's candidate
2
: to lie or be athwart each other
3
: to meet in passing especially from opposite directions
4
crosser
noun
1
a
: lying across or athwart
b
: moving across
cross traffic
2
a
: running counter : opposite
b
: mutually opposed
cross purposes
3
: involving mutual interchange : reciprocal
4
: marked by typically transitory bad temper
5
: extending over or treating several groups, conditions, or classes
a cross sample from 25 colleges
crossly
adverb
crossness
noun
: across
: not parallel : crisscross, crosswise
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share