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
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.
The drone has its crosshairs over one particular structure. David Axe, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025 What Trump has done is put Chinese energy security in his crosshairs. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025 Other firm clients or potential clients may have also feared an association with the firm would bring them in the government's crosshairs. Aysha Bagchi, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2025 So who’s actually in Selena’s lyrical crosshairs here? Jenzia Burgos, StyleCaster, 21 Mar. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Crosshair.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crosshair. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

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
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