crisscross

1 of 3

verb

criss·​cross ˈkris-ˌkrȯs How to pronounce crisscross (audio)
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

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
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.
Verb
Below, find additional footwear looks from the Miu Miu spring 2026 show including crisscrossing sandals, sleek dress shoes, slim sneakers with double laces and more designs. Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2025 Aaron is in third with two gorgeous lines of passion-fruit purée along the top, and perfect Tom is in fourth with a nest of crisscrossing lines over a blackberry cream. Brian Moylan, Vulture, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
Use a manual rake to make a crisscross pattern, pushing deeply into the ground to loosen the thatch. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 22 Sep. 2025 The trendy animal print pattern combined with the crisscross buckle design offers a sophisticated, retro feel that’ll perk up any classic pair of jeans. Melody Kazel, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
Knix’s Longevity Sports Bra is made of 55% nylon and 45% spandex, and has a scoop neckline with crisscross straps in the back. Jenifer Calle, Glamour, 26 Sep. 2025 Use a manual rake to make a crisscross pattern, pushing deeply into the ground to loosen the thatch. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 22 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for crisscross

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of crisscross was in 1614

Cite this Entry

“Crisscross.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crisscross. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

crisscross

1 of 2 verb
criss·​cross ˈkris-ˌkrȯs How to pronounce crisscross (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on crisscross

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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