Crisscross: meaning, definitions and examples

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crisscross

 

[ ˈkrɪsˌkrɔs ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

in a pattern

To move or be arranged in a pattern that crosses over each other

Synonyms

cross over, intersect, weave.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
crisscross

Appropriate when describing a pattern or network where lines or paths cross each other multiple times.

  • The pathways in the garden crisscross beautifully
  • The fabric of the basket is crisscrossed with different colors
intersect

Used when two or more lines, roads, or paths meet at a single point.

  • This is the place where two major highways intersect
  • The two streets intersect near the town's main square
cross over

Used to describe the act of moving over something to get to the other side, or when something moves to a different area or category.

  • She crossed over the bridge to get to the park
  • The singer crossed over from pop to country music
weave

Appropriate when describing the act of creating a fabric or complex pattern by interlacing threads or elements, or moving through something complex like traffic.

  • She weaved the vibrant threads into a beautiful tapestry
  • He weaved through the crowd to get to the exit

Examples of usage

  • The lines on the graph crisscrossed each other
  • The branches of the trees crisscrossed in the forest
Context #2 | Noun

pattern

A pattern of lines that cross each other

Synonyms

crossing, grid, interweaving.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
crisscross

Used to describe a pattern where lines cross each other, typically at right angles. Often used when the pattern is repetitive and regular.

  • The streets crisscross the city in a regular pattern.
  • He crisscrossed the fabric to create a decorative design.
crossing

Refers to the act of passing over or through something, or the place where this happens. Common in transportation or pathways.

  • There is a pedestrian crossing at the end of the street.
  • The boat crossing the river was filled with passengers.
interweaving

Describes the action of weaving together different elements or parts, often in a complex or intricate way. Can be used both literally and figuratively.

  • The artist's work involves interweaving different materials to create unique sculptures.
  • The story's plot interweaves several different characters' lives.
grid

Best used when referring to a network of lines that intersect to form squares or rectangles, often used in maps, city planning, or for organizing data.

  • The power grid failed during the storm.
  • A grid of streets makes navigation easier in the city.

Examples of usage

  • The crisscross of the fences created a unique design
  • The crisscross of the ropes made a sturdy net

Translations

Translations of the word "crisscross" in other languages:

🇵🇹 entrecruzar

🇮🇳 क्रिस्क्रॉस

🇩🇪 kreuz und quer

🇮🇩 bersilangan

🇺🇦 перехрещуватися

🇵🇱 krzyżować

🇯🇵 交差する

🇫🇷 croiser

🇪🇸 entrecruzar

🇹🇷 çaprazlamak

🇰🇷 교차하다

🇸🇦 يتقاطع

🇨🇿 křížit

🇸🇰 krížiť

🇨🇳 交叉

🇸🇮 križati

🇮🇸 krossa

🇰🇿 қиылысу

🇬🇪 გადაკვეთა

🇦🇿 kəsişmək

🇲🇽 entrecruzar

Etymology

The term 'crisscross' originated in the early 19th century as a combination of the word 'criss' meaning 'cross' and 'cross'. It is commonly used in the context of patterns and movements that intersect or cross over each other.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,265 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.