crisscross

1 of 3

verb

criss·​cross ˈkris-ˌkrȯs 

crisscrossed; crisscrossing; crisscrosses

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

Verb

Evers and Crowley were crisscrossing the state together in the last days before final ballots are cast Tuesday. — Scott Bauer, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026

The candidates have been crisscrossing the state at a breakneck pace with Lamont going from Greenwich to New London to Granby in days often split between gubernatorial duties and campaign stops. — Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2026

Adjective

Its crisscross back straps are adjustable, and the scoop back offers plenty of coverage. — Gretta Monahan, Boston Herald, 18 June 2026

The back features a crisscross strap detail but isn't quite as low-cut as the original. — Emily Kelleher, InStyle, 23 May 2026

Noun

Alternatively, some people prefer to weave the twine from side to side in a crisscross pattern for internal support. — Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 July 2026

The strapless gown was designed with a cutout beneath the bust line and symmetrical cutouts at the hips augmented by crisscross fabric. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 29 June 2026

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

Rhymes for crisscross

• across
• backcross
• lacrosse
• recross
• tomas
• albatross
• applesauce
• barabbas
• helios
• kshatriyas
• menelaus
• blas

Kids Definition

crisscross

1 of 2 verb

criss·​cross ˈkris-ˌkrȯs 

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