Maltese cross
noun
1
a
: a cross formée
b
: a cross that resembles the cross formée but has the outer face of each arm indented in a V see cross illustration
2
: a Eurasian herb (Silene chalcedonica synonym Lychnis chalcedonica) of the pink family cultivated for its usually scarlet flowers
Examples of Maltese cross in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Since becoming a Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order, Princess Kate has worn a blue, red and white sash over her dress as well as a badge featuring a Maltese cross at state banquets, signifying her position.
—
Stephanie Petit, People.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Starting with the dial design, the Maison’s designers and artisans have created a unique guilloche pattern — inspired by the Maltese cross, Vacheron Constantin’s emblem.
—Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 2 Apr. 2025
Each of the property’s 13 vaults, all of which required reinforcement, form an eight-pointed star—a symbol of the original owner’s affiliation with the Maltese cross.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 23 Feb. 2025
This new mechanism features a refined cam-and-rack system, replacing the brand’s traditional Maltese cross design, and allows for a larger minutes display.
—Matthew Catellier, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024
Malaria parasites don't do this, but the Maltese cross may not be immediately apparent in a blood smear and can be easily missed by an untrained examiner.
—Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 13 Oct. 2023
Take his most recent find, a sizable Maltese cross.
—Lily Templeton, WWD, 3 Sep. 2019
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Stephanie Petit, People.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Starting with the dial design, the Maison’s designers and artisans have created a unique guilloche pattern — inspired by the Maltese cross, Vacheron Constantin’s emblem.
—Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 2 Apr. 2025
Each of the property’s 13 vaults, all of which required reinforcement, form an eight-pointed star—a symbol of the original owner’s affiliation with the Maltese cross.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 23 Feb. 2025
This new mechanism features a refined cam-and-rack system, replacing the brand’s traditional Maltese cross design, and allows for a larger minutes display.
—Matthew Catellier, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024
Malaria parasites don't do this, but the Maltese cross may not be immediately apparent in a blood smear and can be easily missed by an untrained examiner.
—Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 13 Oct. 2023
Take his most recent find, a sizable Maltese cross.
—Lily Templeton, WWD, 3 Sep. 2019
Cite this Entry
“Maltese cross.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Maltese%20cross. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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