What does "crossover" mean?

1. (mixing styles or genres) a mix of different styles, such as a song that is both country and pop, or a movie that combines two different stories. 2. (a type of car) a car that looks like a large SUV but is built using the parts of a smaller passenger car. 3. (physical crossing point) a place where one path, wire, or track crosses over another. 4. (computing/electrical cable) a type of cable used to connect two similar devices directly to each other.

How do you use "crossover"?

Usually placed before the noun.

crossover

n. · adj.

US //ˈkɹɔˌsoʊvɝ// UK //kɹˈɒsəʊvɐ// cross·over

1 mixing styles or genres (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a mix of different styles, such as a song that is both country and pop, or a movie that combines two different stories.

the blending of multiple styles, genres, or fictional universes to appeal to a broader audience or create a novel narrative.

Example

The new film is a crossover between the superhero and horror genres.

Example

The artist achieved massive crossover success when her folk album began receiving heavy rotation on mainstream pop radio stations.
2 a type of car (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a car that looks like a large SUV but is built using the parts of a smaller passenger car.

a vehicle built on a unibody passenger car platform that incorporates features of a sport utility vehicle.

Example

They bought a crossover because it has more space than a car but is easier to park than a truck.

Example

Market trends indicate a significant shift in consumer preference from traditional sedans toward compact crossovers with better fuel efficiency.
- CUV
- hybrid vehicle
- sedan
- truck

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3 physical crossing point (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a place where one path, wire, or track crosses over another.

a physical point or structure where two paths, tracks, or electrical circuits intersect or exchange positions.

Example

The train slowed down as it reached the crossover between the two tracks.

Example

Engineers designed a pedestrian crossover to ensure students could safely reach the campus from the residential district.
4 computing/electrical cable (adj.)
C1 Advanced Technical Computing

a type of cable used to connect two similar devices directly to each other.

referring to an electrical or networking cable where specific internal wires are swapped to allow direct communication between similar hardware.

Example

You need a crossover cable to connect these two old computers together.

Example

Before the advent of auto-MDIX technology, a crossover cable was essential for linking two network switches without a dedicated uplink port.

Usage

Usually placed before the noun.
- straight through

Origin

Deverbal from cross over.