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

Examples of crosshair in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

After deciding to take his family to a tourist town for some fun in the sun, a minor encounter with local bullies yanks the family into the crosshairs of an unhinged, blood-thirsty crime boss (Sharon Stone), who is determined to derail his relaxation. —Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Sep. 2025

Businesses that buy into the rebrand theory may find themselves in the legal crosshairs. —Jon McGowan, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025

And many in the industry — including those who lobby on its behalf — are concerned their network could be in the legal crosshairs unfairly if the rules aren’t updated. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 26 Aug. 2025

Federal forecasters said a swirling system of warm, descending air over the crosshairs that divides Arizona, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico will toast the region through the weekend. —Dennis Romero, NBC news, 20 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1684, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for crosshair

• abwehr
• affair
• affaire
• airfare
• altair
• armchair
• aware
• beware
• bugbear
• carfare
• childcare
• compare

Kids Definition

cross hair

noun

: one of the very thin wires or threads in the eyepiece of an optical instrument (as a microscope) used as a reference line