crisscross

1 of 3

verb

criss·​cross ˈkris-ˌkrȯs How to pronounce crisscross (audio)
crisscrossed; crisscrossing; crisscrosses
Synonyms of crisscrossnext

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
: overlap, intersect

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
In the evening, the entire space is crisscrossed with twinkle lights. — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 11 June 2026 The agony of Sudan runs deep; its history is crisscrossed with blood. — Janine Di Giovanni, Vanity Fair, 25 June 2026
Adjective
The back features a crisscross strap detail but isn't quite as low-cut as the original. — Emily Kelleher, InStyle, 23 May 2026 Use a manual rake to make a crisscross pattern, pushing deeply into the ground to loosen the thatch. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2026
Noun
This cover uses crisscross straps to keep it flat and tight, no matter the strength of the wind. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 9 June 2026 Its crisscross back straps are adjustable, and the scoop back offers plenty of coverage. — Gretta Monahan, Boston Herald, 18 June 2026 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

Rhymes for crisscross

See All Rhymes for crisscross

Browse Nearby Words

crissal thrasher
crisscross
crisscross inheritance
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Crisscross.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crisscross. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

crisscross

1 of 2 verb
criss·​cross ˈkris-ˌkrȯs How to pronounce crisscross (audio)
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

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for crisscross

Nglish: Translation of crisscross for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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