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

Secret Service snipers set up their crosshairs on the golf course, their guns pointing past the steep face over the Pacific. —Antonia Hitchens, The New Yorker, 13 Sep. 2024

This time, though, Trump’s performance was in their crosshairs. —Caitlin McFall, Fox News, 11 Sep. 2024

Here’s why Nvidia’s aggressive sales tactics are in the DOJ’s crosshairs Nvidia shares keep falling. —David Meyer, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2024

Tapping the snazzy remote’s Menu key reveals a settings layout with a dedicated Game Bar at the far right for features like checking your refresh rate or adding crosshairs. —Ryan Waniata, WIRED, 5 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1684, in the meaning defined above

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