WordGarden.iocrisscross
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /krˈɪskrɒs/
US
- /ˈkrɪsˌkrɔs/
Meanings
Verb
to cross or mark something with intersecting lines or paths
to travel back and forth across an area
Adjective
arranged in a pattern of crossing lines
Noun
a pattern or network of crossing lines
Beyond the definition
Imagine drawing lines on a piece of paper that cross and go in different directions—that's what it means to crisscross! Paths might crisscross through a forest, or the strings on a net might crisscross to form its pattern. It describes things moving or being arranged in an intersecting way, sometimes in a messy-looking pattern. You might see footprints crisscrossing the sand after a busy day at the beach, or ropes crisscrossing the rigging of a ship.
The word evokes a sense of movement and complexity. Think about how train tracks crisscross at a railway junction—it's not just one crossing, but a whole pattern of crossings. It can also be used figuratively to describe complicated situations: "Their lives became crisscrossed with secrets."
To crisscross means to cross in different directions, often creating a network or interwoven pattern. It describes lines, paths, routes, or even ideas that intersect and overlap. Think about the way rivers crisscross a landscape, carving out valleys and shaping the land. Or imagine looking down on a city at night—the streets appear to crisscross beneath you like glowing veins.
As a verb, "to crisscross" also means to travel back and forth over an area, often in a random or irregular pattern. "The hikers crisscrossed the mountains in search of a lost trail." It can also describe something being covered with intersecting lines: "A network of cracks crisscrossed the old pottery."
Historically, the word may be an alteration of "Christ-cross," referring to the cross mark (+) that was traditionally associated with early reading materials like hornbooks. Over time, the term evolved from a noun describing a specific mark into a dynamic verb and adjective for any pattern of intersecting paths.
The beauty of "crisscross" lies in its ability to paint a picture of complexity and movement. It's not just about crossing over, but about creating a dynamic web of connections. Whether describing physical paths, abstract ideas, or intricate designs, "crisscross" suggests an interwoven pattern where things meet, diverge, and reconnect.
Examples
- 1
Park paths
Small dirt paths crisscross the park.
- 2
Town layout
The old town is crisscrossed by narrow canals.
- 3
Door-to-door route
We spent the morning crisscrossing the neighborhood, handing out invitations.
- 4
Visual pattern
Black cables formed a crisscross above the stage.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Clothing
She wore a dress with crisscross straps at the back.
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- crisscrossnounverbadjectiveadverb
Forms
- crisscrossedpast tenseverbnounadjective
- crisscrossing-ing formverbnounadjective
- crisscrossespluralnounverbadjective