crossing

noun

cross·​ing ˈkrȯ-siŋ 

1

: the act or action of crossing: such as

a

: a traversing or traveling across

b

: an opposing, blocking, or thwarting especially in an unfair or dishonest manner

2

a

: a place or structure (as on a street or over a river) where pedestrians or vehicles cross

especially : crosswalk

b

: the place in a cruciform church where the transept crosses the nave

c

: a place where a railroad track crosses a street

Synonyms

• cruise
• passage
• sail
• voyage

Examples of crossing in a Sentence

Stop at the railroad crossing.

a crossing for ferry boats

the crossing of a mountain range

a weeklong crossing of the Atlantic Ocean

Recent Examples on the Web

Photo : Van de Graaf ‘Atlantic,’ 227 Feet, 2010 Van de Graaf This Atlantic was inspired by the much older 212-foot Atlantic delivered by Townsend & Downey in 1903, which set the record for the fastest Atlantic crossing in 1905. —Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 16 Dec. 2024

The state has built 60 wildlife crossings or bridges that have been modified for use by panthers on Florida’s roads. —Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 14 Dec. 2024

Border crossings affected In two words, Port Laredo. —Ken Roberts, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024

Once through a couple of slippery downhills and wash crossings, the route trudges uphill, revealing grander views at each turn. —Mare Czinar, The Arizona Republic, 13 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1575, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing crossing

• crossing guard
• crossing-over
• grade crossing
• level crossing
• pedestrian crossing
• pelican crossing
• railroad crossing
• zebra crossing

Kids Definition

crossing

noun

cross·​ing ˈkrȯ-siŋ 

1

a

: the act of one that crosses

b

: a voyage across water

c

: the act or process of interbreeding or hybridizing

2

: a place where a street or stream is crossed

3

: a place where two things (as a street and a railroad track) cross