Cross
/krɒs/
Definitions
7 meaningsA structure formed by two lines or pieces crossing each other at right angles.
/krɒs/
A structure consisting of an upright beam with a transverse beam, typically used for religious or symbolic purposes.
The soldier wore a cross around his neck.
💡 Simply: Imagine two roads meeting each other. The place where they meet is a cross! Or, the shape you make when you fold your arms.
👶 For kids: A shape like a 'T' turned on its side. It's like two lines meeting and making an X.
More Examples
The cemetery was marked with many crosses.
How It's Used
"Christians often wear a cross as a symbol of their faith."
"The Red Cross provides aid in areas affected by disasters."
A mark or sign made in the form of an X or +.
/krɒs/
A mark or sign made in the form of a cross.
Make a cross on the correct answer.
💡 Simply: Like when you check a box on a form, but it's a 'X' or a plus sign.
👶 For kids: When you draw a little 'X' or a plus sign (+).
More Examples
She added a cross to her signature to show agreement.
How It's Used
"Put a cross next to the option you choose."
"He put a cross on the ballot paper."
An instance of interbreeding or mixing.
/krɒs/
A mixing or interbreeding of different breeds or types.
The farmer created a new type of wheat through a cross.
💡 Simply: Like mixing two different types of dogs, so you have a dog that's a bit of both. Or two flowers to get a new kind.
👶 For kids: When you mix two things together to make something new, like mixing different colors.
More Examples
This cross produced a more disease-resistant plant.
How It's Used
"They developed a new breed by a cross between two different species."
"The cross yielded a new genetic variation."
To go or extend across or over something.
/krɒs/
To move or extend across or over something.
We crossed the river on a bridge.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're walking from one side of the road to the other. You *cross* the street!
👶 For kids: To go from one side to the other, like walking across a playground.
More Examples
She carefully crossed the busy road.
How It's Used
"The player crossed the ball into the box."
To intersect or meet at a point.
/krɒs/
The railway tracks cross the highway.
💡 Simply: Like when two streets come together. They cross!
👶 For kids: When two things meet each other, like two roads or lines.
More Examples
Two lines cross each other to form a cross shape.
How It's Used
"The two roads cross at the town square."
"The lines cross at a right angle."
To become annoyed, angry or irritated.
/krɒs/
To become annoyed or angry.
He crossed because the traffic was so bad.
💡 Simply: When you're feeling grumpy or annoyed about something. Like when you have to wait for a long time.
👶 For kids: When you're a little bit angry or upset.
More Examples
Don't cross your friend; they will become angry.
How It's Used
"He got crossed when his dinner was late."
"She crosses easily."
Angry or irritated.
/krɒst/
Angry or annoyed
The teacher looked cross with the students.
💡 Simply: When you're feeling grumpy or annoyed about something.
👶 For kids: Feeling a little bit angry or upset.
More Examples
She had a cross expression on her face.
How It's Used
"The children were cross because it was raining and they couldn't go outside."
"She had a cross look on her face."
Idioms & expressions
Cross one's mind
To occur to someone as a thought.
"It never crossed my mind that he would leave."
Cross the line
To do something that is not allowed or is considered unacceptable; to overstep boundaries.
"The company knew that if they crossed the line with their marketing, they would be penalized."
Cross swords (with someone)
To argue or fight with someone.
"The two politicians crossed swords during the debate."
Cross your fingers
To hope for good luck.
"I'm crossing my fingers that I get the job."
From Old Norse *kross*, from Old Irish *cros*, from Latin *crux* (meaning 'cross, gallows').
The word 'cross' has been used since Old English times, originally referring to a physical structure. Its symbolic meaning developed over time, especially with religious significance.
Memory tip
Think of the shape: two lines intersect.
Word Origin
"crux - cross, gallows"