English Reference

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'.

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

hybridizationcross-breeding

Etymology

By surface analysis, cross + -ing.

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

Word family

NOUN

crossing(A2)

Domain

Architecture

This entry

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

QR code

englishreference.com/q/crossing

English Reference