crossroad

noun

cross·​road ˈkrȯs-ˌrōd 

 also  -ˈrōd

1

: a road that crosses a main road or runs cross-country between main roads

2

usually crossroads ˈkrȯs-ˌrōdz 

 also  -ˈrōdz

plural in form but singular or plural in construction

a

: the place of intersection of two or more roads

b(1)

: a small community located at such a crossroads

(2)

: a central meeting place

c

: a crucial point especially where a decision must be made

Synonyms

• carrefour
• corner
• crossing
• crossway(s)
• intersection
• junction

Examples of crossroad in a Sentence

Traffic was stopped at the crossroad.

We turned onto a crossroad.

Recent Examples on the Web

America's geography has been an enormous blessing, helping to keep her safer from invasions than other states that find themselves at the crossroads of empires. —George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024

Plains, the Family Anchor Image Aside from their Navy years and life in temporary political quarters, the Carters were firmly rooted in the farming crossroads of Plains from birth through all of their post-White House years. —Bill Marsh, New York Times, 31 Dec. 2024

Befitting this compact country’s position at the crossroads of Europe, its cuisine is a mix of Central, Southern, and Eastern European flavors, and Roš’s menu includes pastas and dumplings, local alpine cheeses from high-mountain pastures, and marble trout fished from nearby gorges. —Nicholas Derenzo, AFAR Media, 27 Dec. 2024

With Christmas approaching two years ago, Fenway Sports Group’s ownership of Liverpool Football Club was at a crossroads. —James Pearce, The Athletic, 17 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1686, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

crossroad

noun

cross·​road ˈkrȯs-ˌrōd 

-ˈrōd

1

: a road that crosses a main road or runs across country between main roads

2

a

: a place where roads cross

—usually used in plural

b

: a small community at a crossroads

3

: a place or time at which a decision must be made