cross
kros
Cross (noun) means a shape formed by two intersecting lines, or an upright post with a crossbar, especially as a religious symbol. Example: “Mark the right answer with a cross in the box.”
noun
1
A shape formed by two intersecting lines, or an upright post with a crossbar, especially as a religious symbol.
"Mark the right answer with a cross in the box."
"A stone cross stood on top of the village church."
"She wore a small gold cross on a chain."
verb
1
To go from one side of something to the other.
"We crossed the bridge on foot and walked into the old town."
"Look both ways before you cross the street."
"The hikers crossed the river at a shallow point."
adj
1
Annoyed or bad-tempered.
"Dad gets cross when the children leave their shoes in the hall."
"Don't be cross with me, I simply forgot to ring."
"She was cross with him for arriving late again."
How to use cross
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMost often means to go across something, or the X-shaped or crucifix symbol; as an adjective it means mildly angry.
Common pairings
cross the road
cross swords
get cross with someone
a wooden cross
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like cross.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Third person singular
- crosses
- Past tense
- crossed
- Comparative
- crosser
- Superlative
- crossest
- Archaic forms
- crossest, crossedst, crosseth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Mark the right answer with a _____ in the box.
Etymology
From Old English cros, borrowed via Old Norse from Old Irish, ultimately from Latin crux — the same root behind "crucial" and "crux."
Synonyms
View more →
crucifix
plus sign
X
intersection
crossing
hybridization
crossbreeding
hybridizing
crisscross
hybrid
crossbreed
hybridisation
Antonyms
uncross
Related words
Rhymes for cross
See all rhymes for cross →Frequently asked questions
What does “cross” mean?
The word “cross” means a shape formed by two intersecting lines, or an upright post with a crossbar, especially as a religious symbol. In plain terms, most often means to go across something, or the X-shaped or crucifix symbol; as an adjective it means mildly angry.
How do you pronounce “cross”?
“Cross” is pronounced kros (/kɹɑs/ in IPA).
How do you use “cross” in a sentence?
Here is “cross” used in a sentence: “She wore a small gold cross on a chain.”
What part of speech is “cross”?
Depending on how it is used, “cross” can be a noun, a verb and an adjective.
Where does the word “cross” come from?
The word “cross” comes from Latin. From Old English cros, borrowed via Old Norse from Old Irish, ultimately from Latin crux — the same root behind "crucial" and "crux.".
Is “cross” a common word?
“Cross” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “cross” have?
“Cross” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a shape formed by two intersecting lines, or an upright post with a crossbar, especially as a religious symbol.
What is the difference between a cross and a crucifix?
A cross is the plain shape of two intersecting lines, or an upright post with a crossbar. A crucifix is a cross that bears a figure of the body of Christ upon it. So every crucifix is a cross, but a bare cross without the figure is not a crucifix.
What does the cross symbolize?
As a religious symbol, the cross chiefly represents Christianity and the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, standing for faith, sacrifice, and redemption. More broadly, cross shapes appear as marks, signs of addition, and symbols on flags, medals, and maps, where they can signal aid, honor, or a specific location.
What are the different types of crosses?
Many named forms exist. The Latin cross has a longer lower arm; the Greek cross has four equal arms. Others include the crucifix, which bears Christ's figure, and distinctive designs such as the Celtic cross with its ring. Beyond religion, a simple X or plus sign is also called a cross.
Why is the cross an important symbol?
The cross is one of the most recognized symbols in the world, central to Christianity as a reminder of Jesus's death and resurrection. It marks churches, graves, and charities, and appears on many national flags. Its simple, striking shape makes it instantly readable across cultures and centuries.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include cross:
