Maltese cross

noun

1

a

: a cross formée

b

: a cross that resembles the cross formée but has the outer face of each arm indented in a V see cross illustration

2

: a Eurasian herb (Silene chalcedonica synonym Lychnis chalcedonica) of the pink family cultivated for its usually scarlet flowers

Examples of Maltese cross in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Starting with the dial design, the Maison’s designers and artisans have created a unique guilloche pattern — inspired by the Maltese cross, Vacheron Constantin’s emblem. —Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 2 Apr. 2025

Each of the property’s 13 vaults, all of which required reinforcement, form an eight-pointed star—a symbol of the original owner’s affiliation with the Maltese cross. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 23 Feb. 2025

The large aperture at 6 o’clock reveals the tourbillon in stunning detail with the Maltese cross bridge design in full view. —Blake Buettner, Robb Report, 10 Jan. 2025

This new mechanism features a refined cam-and-rack system, replacing the brand’s traditional Maltese cross design, and allows for a larger minutes display. —Matthew Catellier, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024

Take his most recent find, a sizable Maltese cross. —Lily Templeton, WWD, 3 Sep. 2019

The bracelet here is made to high watchmaking standards, with links shaped in the brand’s signature Maltese cross motif, a style used across the Overseas range. —Carol Besler, Robb Report, 16 Jan. 2024

Malaria parasites don't do this, but the Maltese cross may not be immediately apparent in a blood smear and can be easily missed by an untrained examiner. —Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 13 Oct. 2023

Take for example a gold and diamond Serpenti necklace or a gold Maltese cross brooch with multi-colored stones from Verdura, which could easily be worn by any gender or, perhaps, shared among a couple. —Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 19 Sep. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for Maltese cross

• across
• backcross
• crisscross
• lacrosse
• recross
• tomas
• albatross
• applesauce
• barabbas
• helios
• kshatriyas
• blas

Kids Definition

Maltese cross

noun

: a cross with four arms of equal size that increase in width toward the ends