# cross

/ˈkɹɔs/ (US) · /kɹˈɒs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cross
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. to go across

verb · CEFR A2

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

For teachers: to move or extend from one side of a space or boundary to the other.

- Be careful and look both ways before you cross the busy street.
- The refugees had to cross the mountain range at night to avoid detection by border patrols.

### 2. to intersect

verb · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: to intersect or lie across something else.

- The two hiking trails cross each other near the old wooden bridge.
- The railway lines cross the main highway at a sharp angle, requiring a sophisticated signaling system.

### 3. to oppose

verb · CEFR B2

to go against someone or disagree with their plans.

For teachers: to oppose, thwart, or go against the wishes or plans of another.

- He is a dangerous man to cross if you value your job.
- Few colleagues dared to cross the CEO once she had made a final decision on the merger.

### 4. to breed together

verb · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

For teachers: to cause two different species or breeds to interbreed.

- The gardener decided to cross the red rose with a white one.
- Researchers attempted to cross the drought-resistant strain with the high-yield variety to create a superior crop.

### 5. the shape

noun · CEFR A2

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

For teachers: a geometrical figure consisting of two intersecting lines or bars.

- Mark the correct answer with a small cross in the box.
- The architect incorporated a stone cross into the design of the church's eastern facade.

### 6. a hybrid

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: an animal, plant, or thing produced by mixing two different types or breeds.

- A mule is a cross between a horse and a donkey.
- The new musical style was a fascinating cross between traditional folk and modern electronic beats.

### 7. sports pass

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- The winger sent a perfect cross into the box for the striker to head.
- The defender failed to intercept the low cross, allowing the striker an easy tap-in at the far post.

### 8. a burden

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

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

For teachers: a burden or affliction that must be borne with patience.

- Caring for his sick brother was a heavy cross to bear.
- She viewed her chronic illness not as a tragedy, but as a cross she had to carry with dignity.

### 9. annoyed

adjective · CEFR A2 · British English

feeling a little bit angry or annoyed with someone.

For teachers: annoyed, irritable, or bad-tempered.

- Please don't be cross with me for being late to dinner.
- The teacher grew increasingly cross as the students continued to whisper during the lecture.

### 10. transverse

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

going across from one side to the other.

For teachers: lying or passing across; transverse.

- The carpenter added a cross beam to make the roof stronger.
- The pilot struggled to land the aircraft due to a powerful cross wind hitting the runway from the north.

## Examples

- She wears a small silver cross around her neck.
- The church on the hill has a large wooden cross on its steeple.
- The design incorporated a stylized cross, subtly referencing the organization's historical roots without being overtly religious in its modern branding.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.