crosshair

noun

cross·​hair ˈkrȯs-ˌher 

: 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 season

—J. H. Alter

Examples of crosshair in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Here are five media outlets that have landed in Trump’s crosshairs during his first 100 days. —Dominick Mastrangelo, The Hill, 6 May 2025

The Subculture coffee shop has brought a hip, younger vibe to the city’s downtown, but the place’s popularity has also put it in City Hall’s crosshairs. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 1 May 2025

The potentially landmark case comes at a critical juncture for the U.S. education system, which has been pulled into the crosshairs of partisan divides while also dealing with broad declines in students’ reading and math skills. —Sophie Hills, Christian Science Monitor, 29 Apr. 2025

But the graphic showed electoral districts in crosshairs, not individual politicians. —Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 14 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1684, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for crosshair

• abwehr
• affair
• affaire
• airfare
• altair
• armchair
• aware
• beware
• bugbear
• carfare
• childcare
• compare

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