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

Amidst this complex landscape, the United States stands at a crossroads, with its policies and engagements scrutinized under the global microscope. —Kazem Kazerounian, Hartford Courant, 23 June 2024

Lombardo’s latest zeros in on a single protagonist: Julia Ames, a mother at a crossroads. —Carly Tagen-Dye, Peoplemag, 14 June 2024

Lakers How LeBron James, Darvin Ham and the Lakers reached a critical offseason crossroads April 30, 2024 First, there is the sordid history of college coaches attempting to coach in the NBA. —Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2024

But much now hangs in the balance for Mr. Netanyahu, who finds himself at a crossroads both political and strategic. —Isabel Kershner, New York Times, 2 June 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