English Reference

Word

crossover

Phoneticscross·over

US/ˈkɹɔˌsoʊvɝ/

UK/kɹˈɒsəʊvɐ/

Definitions

01mixing styles or genres

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

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

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

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

“The artist achieved massive crossover success when her folk album began receiving heavy rotation on mainstream pop radio stations.”

02a type of car

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

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

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

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

“Market trends indicate a significant shift in consumer preference from traditional sedans toward compact crossovers with better fuel efficiency.”

Synonyms

CUVhybrid vehicle

Antonyms

03physical crossing point

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

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

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

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

“Engineers designed a pedestrian crossover to ensure students could safely reach the campus from the residential district.”

04computing/electrical cable

C1 · Advanced Computing Technical

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

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

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

“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.

Antonyms

straight-through

Etymology

Deverbal from cross over.

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

Domains

ComputingSports

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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Frequent
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

QR code

englishreference.com/q/crossover

English Reference