crosshair

noun

cross·​hair ˈkrȯs-ˌher How to pronounce crosshair (audio)
: a fine wire or thread in the focus of the eyepiece of an optical instrument used as a reference line in the field or for marking the instrumental axis
used figuratively to describe someone or something being targeted as if through an aiming device having crosshairs
… in the crosshairs this political seasonJ. H. Alter

Examples of crosshair in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
In addition to riling the MPAA, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre’s lurid, controversial title would end up putting it directly into the crosshairs of the nation’s squeamish and easily offended critics. Chris Nashawaty, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Oct. 2024 Conclusion Whether using deepfakes or simply making a phone call, cybercriminals have increasingly put service desks in their crosshairs. Michael Engle, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024 Within years, mothers found themselves squarely within the crosshairs of Nixon’s war, too. Eli Cahan, Rolling Stone, 22 Sep. 2024 The latest method of voting to fall into the political crosshairs is the way overseas voters — including members of the military stationed abroad — cast their ballots. Jason Ma, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for crosshair 

Word History

First Known Use

1684, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of crosshair was in 1684

Dictionary Entries Near crosshair

Cite this Entry

“Crosshair.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crosshair. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

cross hair

noun
: one of the very thin wires or threads in the eyepiece of an optical instrument (as a microscope) used as a reference line
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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