Dictionary
1cross
noun \ˈkrȯs\
: a long piece of wood with a shorter piece across it near the top that people were once fastened to and left to die on as a form of punishment
the Cross : the cross on which Jesus Christ died
: an object or image in the shape of a cross that is used as a symbol of Christianity
Full Definition of CROSS
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 : crucifixion b : an affliction that tries one's virtue, steadfastness, or patience
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 by a horizontal one; specifically : one used as a Christian symbol b capitalized : the Christian religion
5
: a structure (as a monument) shaped like or surmounted by a cross
6
: a figure or mark formed by two intersecting lines crossing at their midpoints; 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 dissimilar individuals b : a crossbred individual or kind c : one that combines characteristics of two different types or individuals
11
a : a fraudulent or dishonest contest 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 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
See cross defined for English-language learners
See cross defined for kids
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Illustration of CROSS
Origin of CROSS
Middle English, from Old English, from Old Norse or Old Irish; Old Norse kross, from Old Irish cros, from Latin cruc-, crux
First Known Use: before 12th century
2cross
verb
: to go from one side of (something) to the other : to go across (something)
: to go or pass across each other
: to place one arm, leg, etc., over the other
Full Definition of CROSS
transitive verb
1
a : to lie or be situated across b : intersect
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 c (1) : to spoil completely : disrupt —used with up <his failure to appear crossed up the whole program> (2) : to turn against : betray <crossed me up on the deal>
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>
intransitive verb
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
— cross·er noun
— cross paths
: to meet especially by chance <crossed paths with an old friend on a business trip>
— cross swords
: to engage in a dispute
See cross defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of CROSS
14th century
Related to CROSS
- Synonyms
- backstab, betray, double-cross, sell (out), two-time
- Antonyms
- stand by
3cross
adjective
: annoyed or angry
Full Definition of CROSS
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>
See cross defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of CROSS
14th century
Related to CROSS
- Antonyms
- blooded, full-blood, full-blooded, purebred, thoroughbred
4cross
preposition
Cross
biographical name \ˈkrȯs\
Definition of CROSS
Wilbur Lucius 1862–1948 Am. educ. & polit.
Cross
geographical name \ˈkrȯs\
Definition of CROSS
river 300 miles (483 kilometers) W Africa in W Cameroon & SE Nigeria flowing W & S into Gulf of Guinea
CROSS Defined for Kids
1cross
noun \ˈkrȯs\
Definition of CROSS for Kids
1
: a structure, object, or mark formed by two lines that cross each other
2
often cap : the structure on which Jesus Christ was crucified used as a symbol of Christianity
3
: a mixture of two different things, types, or qualities <The game is a cross of luck and skill.>
— cross to bear
: a hardship that someone endures for a long time <We all have our crosses to bear.>
2cross
verb
crossedcross·ing
Definition of CROSS for Kids
1
: to move, pass, or extend across or past <Look both ways before you cross the street.>
2
: to place one over the other <Cross your fingers!>
3
: to lie or be situated across <A path crosses the front yard.>
4
: to go across : intersect
5
: to turn (the eyes) toward the nose
6
: to draw a line across <Remember to cross your t's.>
7
: to act against : oppose <She's tough, and I wouldn't dare to cross her.>
8
: to cause (an animal or plant) to breed with one of another kind : produce hybrids
9
: to pass going in opposite directions <Their letters crossed in the mail.>
— cross off
: to draw a line through (something) <You can cross my name off the list.>
— cross out
: to draw a line through (something) to show that it is wrong <I crossed out the misspelled word.>
— cross someone's mind
: to be thought of by someone <Losing never crossed her mind.>
— cross yourself
: to touch the forehead, chest, and shoulders as an expression of Christian faith (as in prayer)
3cross
adjective
cross·ercross·est
Definition of CROSS for Kids
1
: hard to get along with : irritable
2
: lying, falling, or passing across <a cross street>
— cross·ly adverb
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