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
Business Apple is back in Trump’s crosshairs over where iPhones are made
May 23, 2025
In a statement to The Times, Abigail Jackson, a White House spokesperson, dismissed the judicial injunction out of Massachusetts.
—Michael Wilner, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2025
Now Ukraine's Sumy and Kharkiv regions have been mentioned as being in Putin's crosshairs, according to reports, and the troop build-up shows intent to occupy more territory regardless of ceasefire demands.
—Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 May 2025
The latest target, however, would appear to be the retail sector in the U.K. with devastating ransomware attacks disrupting the business of high-street names such as Marks & Spencer and The Co-Op, even global luxury brands such as Harrods have not escaped the cybercrime crosshairs.
—Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025
Some pharmacies kept doing it anyway, producing versions that differ slightly from the brand name, which could possibly keep them out of the FDA’s crosshairs.
—Angelica Peebles, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for crosshair
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Michael Wilner, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2025
Now Ukraine's Sumy and Kharkiv regions have been mentioned as being in Putin's crosshairs, according to reports, and the troop build-up shows intent to occupy more territory regardless of ceasefire demands.
—Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 May 2025
The latest target, however, would appear to be the retail sector in the U.K. with devastating ransomware attacks disrupting the business of high-street names such as Marks & Spencer and The Co-Op, even global luxury brands such as Harrods have not escaped the cybercrime crosshairs.
—Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025
Some pharmacies kept doing it anyway, producing versions that differ slightly from the brand name, which could possibly keep them out of the FDA’s crosshairs.
—Angelica Peebles, CNBC, 23 Apr. 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 29 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share