crisscross

1 of 3

verb

criss·​cross ˈkris-ˌkrȯs How to pronounce crisscross (audio)
crisscrossed; crisscrossing; crisscrosses

transitive verb

1
: to mark with intersecting lines
2
: to pass back and forth through or over

intransitive verb

1
: to go or pass back and forth
2

crisscross

2 of 3

adjective

: marked or characterized by crisscrossing
crisscross adverb

crisscross

3 of 3

noun

1
: a crisscross pattern : network
2
: the state of being at cross-purposes
also : a confused state

Examples of crisscross in a Sentence

Verb Several highways crisscross the state. shoelaces that crisscross over the top of the shoe Tourists crisscrossed the lake from morning until night. Scientists have been crisscrossing the country to collect data. Noun She pointed toward the crisscross of trees that had fallen on the path.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Throughout much of the film, the St. Elmo’s Fire actor crisscrosses the country desperately trying to convince his peers to agree with him. Mara Reinstein, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Feb. 2025 The tour, which begins April 4 in New Orleans and ends this summer in Seattle, will crisscross the country as Simon marks his return. Jay Stahl, USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2025
Adjective
This internet-famous chair is on sale in the charcoal color and is big enough to comfortably sit crisscross, per shoppers. Bridget Degnan, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Jan. 2025 This super flirty dress features sequin embellishment all over, as well as a non-detachable rose appliqué, and the back is super low-cut with crisscross straps. Felicity Carter, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2024
Noun
That’s not to mention the most important critics of all: their classmates, who pack the school’s crisscross of corridors and watch from their perches above. Violet Goldstone, WWD, 14 Jan. 2025 But Take Note The crisscross of the stylish straps can make the bra hard to hide under clothing if desired. Cheryl Fenton, Parents, 20 Mar. 2024 See All Example Sentences for crisscross

Word History

Etymology

Verb

obsolete christcross, crisscross mark of a cross

First Known Use

Verb

1818, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Adjective

1614, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1824, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of crisscross was in 1614

Cite this Entry

“Crisscross.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crisscross. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

crisscross

1 of 2 verb
criss·​cross ˈkris-ˌkrȯs How to pronounce crisscross (audio)
1
: to mark with lines that cross each other
2
: to go or cross back and forth

crisscross

2 of 2 noun
: a pattern formed by crossed lines
crisscross adjective or adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on crisscross

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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