crosshair
noun
cross·hair
ˈkrȯs-ˌher 
: a fine wire or thread in the focus of the eyepiece of an optical instrument used as a reference line in the field or for marking the instrumental axis
—used figuratively to describe someone or something being targeted as if through an aiming device having crosshairs
… in the crosshairs this political season—
J. H. Alter
J. H. AlterExamples of crosshair in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The optimal strike zones, marked as bright crosshairs in the model, show where a spacecraft could nudge an asteroid's orbit away from Earth without triggering a dangerous return later on.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 13 Oct. 2025
The head came up broadside, facing to Bill’s left, and Bill sought the bear’s ear with the crosshairs.
—Marguerite Reiss, Outdoor Life, 9 Oct. 2025
As advertisers trim spend and Trump puts late night in his crosshairs, the costs of these TV programs are coming under the microscope.
—Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
Carr meanwhile has said ABC's The View might be next in the FCC's crosshairs.
—Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for crosshair
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Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 13 Oct. 2025
The head came up broadside, facing to Bill’s left, and Bill sought the bear’s ear with the crosshairs.
—Marguerite Reiss, Outdoor Life, 9 Oct. 2025
As advertisers trim spend and Trump puts late night in his crosshairs, the costs of these TV programs are coming under the microscope.
—Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
Carr meanwhile has said ABC's The View might be next in the FCC's crosshairs.
—Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for crosshair
Cite this Entry
“Crosshair.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crosshair. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.
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