crosshair

noun

cross·​hair ˈkrȯs-ˌher How to pronounce crosshair (audio)
: 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 seasonJ. H. Alter

Examples of crosshair in a Sentence

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.
Among the policies in Trump’s crosshairs are the federal tax credits for the purchase of a new or used EV. Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 21 Jan. 2025 The offshore wind industry will need Congress to get out of Trump's crosshairs. Nick Sobczyk, Axios, 21 Jan. 2025 But lingering Republican anger over the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed NIH squarely into partisan crosshairs. Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 15 Jan. 2025 Peacock and Sky have a second season of The Day of the Jackal in their crosshairs. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 22 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for crosshair 

Word History

First Known Use

1684, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of crosshair was in 1684

Dictionary Entries Near crosshair

Cite this Entry

“Crosshair.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crosshair. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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