Word
crossing
Phoneticscross·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈkɹɔsɪŋ/
UK/kɹˈɒsɪŋ/
Definitions
01road/rail transit point
A2 · Elementary Countable noun
n. a safe place to go across a road, railway, or river.
n. a designated location where a road, railway, or waterway may be traversed safely.
“Always use the pedestrian crossing when you want to get to the other side of the busy street.”
“The local council installed a new signal-controlled crossing to improve safety for students walking to the nearby primary school.”
Usage
Often used with 'pedestrian', 'level', or 'border'.
Synonyms
02sea journey
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun
n. a trip across a large body of water, like a sea or an ocean.
n. a voyage from one side of a body of water to the other.
“The ferry crossing was very rough because of the stormy weather.”
“The transatlantic crossing took nearly six days, during which the passengers enjoyed a variety of shipboard entertainments.”
Usage
Commonly modified by adjectives like 'rough', 'smooth', or 'short'.
03church architecture
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Architecture Technical
n. the central area of a church where the main parts meet in the shape of a cross.
n. the space in a cruciform church formed by the intersection of the nave, chancel, and transepts.
“The guide pointed out the beautiful stone arches at the crossing of the cathedral.”
“The architect designed a massive central tower to sit directly above the crossing, distributing the weight through four reinforced piers.”
Teaching tip
This is a highly specialised term used mainly in art history or architectural descriptions.
Synonyms
04biological breeding
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Science Technical
n. the act of mixing two different types of animals or plants to create a new one.
n. the process of interbreeding different species or varieties to produce hybrid offspring.
“The crossing of these two types of roses resulted in a beautiful new colour.”
“Experimental crossing of drought-resistant strains has led to a significant increase in crop yields across the arid region.”
Synonyms
Etymology
By surface analysis, cross + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/crossing