Cross: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly used to refer to the Christian religious symbol, a structure consisting of an upright beam and a transverse one. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a burden or challenge someone has to bear.

• She wore a gold cross around her neck.
• This setback is just another cross I have to bear.

To be angry or annoyed, often used in informal speech.

• She was quite cross with him for forgetting her birthday.
• Don't be cross; it was just a mistake.

The point where two or more roads meet, generally used in a technical or urban planning context.

• The traffic light at the intersection helps to manage the flow of vehicles.
• We need better signage at that dangerous intersection.

A place where roads or railway lines come together, usually referring to a more complex or significant meeting point.

• The train stopped at the junction to wait for the connecting service.
• Take a right at the junction and continue straight.

A point where two or more roads meet, often used metaphorically for a crucial decision point in life.

• We reached a crossroad and had to decide whether to go left or right.
• At a crossroad in his career, he chose to pursue his passion.

In informal contexts, it can also mean to be angry or annoyed.

• He gets really cross when people are late.
• She was cross with him because he forgot her birthday.

Typically used in more technical or scientific contexts to describe something that extends or lies across something else.

• The river traverses the plain in a transverse direction.
• He studied the transverse section of the body.

Often used to describe traveling or moving across an area that might be challenging or complex.

• They had to traverse the mountains to reach the village.
• He traversed the desert alone.

This term is often used when something or someone moves across a surface smoothly or without difficulty; it can also mean to skip or overlook something.

• Watch the bird pass over the water.
• They decided to pass over his mistake and focus on the bigger problem.