English Reference
verb · noun · adjective

cross

v. · n. · adj.
US /ˈkɹɔs/ UK /kɹˈɒs/ cross

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    v.to move from one side of something to the other side.

    v.to move or extend from one side of a space or boundary to the other.

    Simple

    Be careful and look both ways before you cross the busy street.

    In context

    The refugees had to cross the mountain range at night to avoid detection by border patrols.

    traversepass over
  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    v.when two lines or roads meet and go over each other.

    v.to intersect or lie across something else.

    Simple

    The two hiking trails cross each other near the old wooden bridge.

    In context

    The railway lines cross the main highway at a sharp angle, requiring a sophisticated signaling system.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to go against someone or disagree with their plans.

    v.to oppose, thwart, or go against the wishes or plans of another.

    Simple

    He is a dangerous man to cross if you value your job.

    In context

    Few colleagues dared to cross the CEO once she had made a final decision on the merger.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced Technical Science

    v.to mix two different types of animals or plants to make a new one.

    v.to cause two different species or breeds to interbreed.

    Simple

    The gardener decided to cross the red rose with a white one.

    In context

    Researchers attempted to cross the drought-resistant strain with the high-yield variety to create a superior crop.

    hybridizeinterbreed
  5. 05 A2 Elementary

    n.a shape made of two lines that go across each other.

    n.a geometrical figure consisting of two intersecting lines or bars.

    Simple

    Mark the correct answer with a small cross in the box.

    In context

    The architect incorporated a stone cross into the design of the church's eastern facade.

  6. 06 B2 Upper Intermediate Science

    n.a mixture of two different things, animals, or plants.

    n.an animal, plant, or thing produced by mixing two different types or breeds.

    Simple

    A mule is a cross between a horse and a donkey.

    In context

    The new musical style was a fascinating cross between traditional folk and modern electronic beats.

    purebred
  7. 07 B1 Intermediate Sport

    n.kicking or hitting a ball from the side of the field toward the middle.

    n.a pass from a side of the pitch toward the center, typically near the opponent's goal.

    Simple

    The winger sent a perfect cross into the box for the striker to head.

    In context

    The defender failed to intercept the low cross, allowing the striker an easy tap-in at the far post.

  8. 08 C1 Advanced Literary

    n.a difficult problem that you have to deal with for a long time.

    n.a burden or affliction that must be borne with patience.

    Simple

    Caring for his sick brother was a heavy cross to bear.

    In context

    She viewed her chronic illness not as a tragedy, but as a cross she had to carry with dignity.

  9. 09 A2 Elementary British English

    adj.feeling a little bit angry or annoyed with someone.

    adj.annoyed, irritable, or bad-tempered.

    Simple

    Please don't be cross with me for being late to dinner.

    In context

    The teacher grew increasingly cross as the students continued to whisper during the lecture.

  10. 10 C1 Advanced Technical

    adj.going across from one side to the other.

    adj.lying or passing across; transverse.

    Simple

    The carpenter added a cross beam to make the roof stronger.

    In context

    The pilot struggled to land the aircraft due to a powerful cross wind hitting the runway from the north.

Usage cross the border · cross boundary · cross section


* As an English surname, from the noun cross, as in crossroads. Also a calque of this word in various European languages, such as French Lacroix, German Kreutz, Serbo-Croatian Križ. Compare Crouch, Crozier, Kriz. * As an Irish surname, shortened from McCrossen. * As a German surname, Americanized from Kross, from Middle Low German krus (“pitcher, vessel”), which is possibly an old Germanic borrowing of Ancient Greek κρωσσός (krōssós, “pitcher, pail, urn”). Also a variant of Kress.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Ancient Greek κρωσσός
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Very common
Updated