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
The index has now taken on the look of a sideways range stretching back five weeks or so and has crisscrossed the 6667 line daily this week – the level representing ten-times the generational low of 666 and change from March of 2009. Michael Santoli, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2025 The annual spectacle, with thousands of media buyers and advertisers crisscrossing Manhattan to be wooed and pitched by TV networks, has already transformed into something more corporate. Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 15 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
This mobile bar crisscrosses the room’s checkerboard floor with the growling rumble of a subway train. Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2025 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 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 22 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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