crossing Definition

cross
noun crosses

1a. A mark, structure or symbol composed of two lines, one crossing the other in the form + or ′;
1b. The mark ′ indicating a mistake or cancellation. Compare tick¹ noun 3;
1c. The mark ′ used instead of a signature by an illiterate person;
1d. The mark ′ used to symbolize a kiss in a letter, etc.
2. A vertical post with a shorter horizontal bar fixed to it, on which criminals were crucified in antiquity.
3a. Christianity.
The cross on which Christ was crucified, or a representation of it;
Form: the Cross
3b. Christianity.
This as a symbol of Christianity.
Form: the Cross
4. A variation of this symbol, eg the St Andrew's cross.
5. A burden or affliction.

Example: have one's own cross to bear
Thesaurus: ordeal, difficulty, tribulation, affliction, adversity, trial, misfortune.
6a. A monument, not necessarily in the form of a cross;
6b. As a place name: the site of such a monument.
7. A medal in the form of a cross.
8. A plant or animal produced by crossing two different strains, breeds or varieties of a species in order to produce an improved hybrid offspring.

Thesaurus: hybrid, mongrel, half-breed, mixture, cross-breed.
9. A mixture or compromise.

Example: a cross between a bedroom and a living room
10. sport, especially football.
A pass of (a ball, etc) from the wing to the centre.

verb crosses, crossed, crossing

tr & intr
1. To move, pass or get across (a road, a path, etc).

Thesaurus: traverse, pass, span, ford.
Form: cross over (often)
2. To place one across the other.

Example: cross one's legs
intr
3. To meet; to intersect.
intr
4. Said of letters between two correspondents: to be in transit simultaneously.
5. To make the sign of the Cross upon someone or on oneself, usually as a blessing.

Example: He crossed himself before entering the church
6. To draw a line across.

Example: cross one's t's
7. To make (a cheque) payable only through a bank by drawing two parallel lines across it.
8. To delete or cancel something by drawing a line through it.

Form: cross out (usually)
Form: cross off
Form: cross through
9. To cross-breed (two different strains, breeds or varieties of a species of animal or plant).

Example: cross a sheep with a goat
Thesaurus: mix, hybridize, pollinate, interbreed, blend, mingle.
10. To frustrate or thwart.

Thesaurus: oppose, thwart, frustrate, foil, hinder, check, interfere.
11. To cause unwanted connections between (telephone lines).
12. sport, especially football.
To pass (the ball, etc) from the wing to the centre.

adj

1. Angry; in a bad temper.
2a. Across;

Example: cross-Channel
Example: cross-country
2b. Intersecting or at right angles;

Example: crossbar
2c. Contrary;

Example: cross purposes
2d. Intermingling.

Example: cross-breeding

Idiom: be at cross purposes

Said of two or more people: to misunderstand or clash with one another.

Idiom: cross one's fingers (keep one's fingers crossed)

To hope for good fortune by crossing one's middle finger over one's index finger.

Idiom: cross one's heart

To make a crossing gesture over one's heart as an indication of good faith.

Idiom: cross one's legs

To bend one leg at the knee and rest it above the knee of the other, while sitting on a chair, etc. Compare cross-legged.

Idiom: cross someone's mind

To occur to them.

Idiom: cross someone's palm

To put a coin in their hand.

Idiom: cross someone's path

To encounter them.

Idiom: cross swords with someone

To have a disagreement or argument with them.

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon cros, from Latin crux.

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crossing
noun

1. The place where two or more things cross each other.
2. A place for crossing a river, road, etc.
3. A journey across something, especially the sea.

Example: a rough crossing
4. An act of cross-breeding.