crossing

noun

cross·​ing ˈkrȯ-siŋ 

1

: the act or action of crossing: such as

a

: a traversing or traveling across

b

: an opposing, blocking, or thwarting especially in an unfair or dishonest manner

2

a

: a place or structure (as on a street or over a river) where pedestrians or vehicles cross

especially : crosswalk

b

: the place in a cruciform church where the transept crosses the nave

c

: a place where a railroad track crosses a street

Synonyms

• cruise
• passage
• sail
• voyage

Examples of crossing in a Sentence

Stop at the railroad crossing.

a crossing for ferry boats

the crossing of a mountain range

a weeklong crossing of the Atlantic Ocean

Recent Examples on the Web

Both initiatives were popular, and the Biden administration credited them with helping reduce a surge in unauthorized crossings over the southern border. —Gabriel V. Cárdenas, New York Times, 25 Jan. 2025

Did crossing and goals from defenders come to the fore again? —Art De Roché, The Athletic, 25 Jan. 2025

After downloading it to their phones and entering their passport information, foreign nationals could use the application to smooth their way through border crossings and airports. —Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2025

Freight trains frequently stop and park for hours at crossings, blocking traffic and disrupting daily life. —Samantha Moilanen, Chicago Tribune, 24 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1575, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing crossing

• crossing guard
• crossing-over
• grade crossing
• level crossing
• pedestrian crossing
• pelican crossing
• railroad crossing
• zebra crossing

Kids Definition

crossing

noun

cross·​ing ˈkrȯ-siŋ 

1

a

: the act of one that crosses

b

: a voyage across water

c

: the act or process of interbreeding or hybridizing

2

: a place where a street or stream is crossed

3

: a place where two things (as a street and a railroad track) cross