crisscrossed; crisscrossing; crisscrosses

transitive verb

1
: to mark with intersecting lines
2
: to pass back and forth through or over

intransitive verb

1
: to go or pass back and forth
2

crisscross

2 of 3

adjective

: marked or characterized by crisscrossing
crisscross adverb

crisscross

3 of 3

noun

1
: a crisscross pattern : network
2
: the state of being at cross-purposes
also : a confused state

Examples of crisscross in a Sentence

Verb Several highways crisscross the state. shoelaces that crisscross over the top of the shoe Tourists crisscrossed the lake from morning until night. Scientists have been crisscrossing the country to collect data. Noun She pointed toward the crisscross of trees that had fallen on the path.
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.
Verb
Another low-stress option is crisscrossing the country via rail. Jen Murphy, Outside Online, 15 Dec. 2024 According to the California Department of Conservation (CDC), the state is crisscrossed by hundreds of faults, 200 of which are considered hazardous. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024
Adjective
Who else but Zendaya could have introduced Cher at the 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony while paying tribute to the diva by wearing a crisscross vintage Bob Mackie gown? Julie Hinds, Detroit Free Press, 13 Dec. 2024 The 2025 circus comes with a new revamp, including a new triangular highwire and a crisscross flying trapeze. Audrey Gibbs, The Tennessean, 20 Aug. 2024
Noun
But Take Note The crisscross of the stylish straps can make the bra hard to hide under clothing if desired. Cheryl Fenton, Parents, 20 Mar. 2024 Each hot cross bun is scored with a crisscross or decorated with a cross made of icing. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Jan. 2024 See all Example Sentences for crisscross 

Word History

Etymology

Verb

obsolete christcross, crisscross mark of a cross

First Known Use

Verb

1818, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Adjective

1614, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1824, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of crisscross was in 1614

Dictionary Entries Near crisscross

Cite this Entry

“Crisscross.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crisscross. Accessed 31 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

crisscross

1 of 2 verb
1
: to mark with lines that cross each other
2
: to go or cross back and forth

crisscross

2 of 2 noun
: a pattern formed by crossed lines
crisscross adjective or adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on crisscross

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