crisscross

1 of 3

verb

criss·​cross ˈkris-ˌkrȯs 

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

: overlap, intersect

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

Verb

Distilleries are spread across several regions — Northern, Central, Western, Louisville, Lexington and Bardstown — which is why most visitors pick one area and work outward rather than trying to crisscross the state. —Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 June 2026

Each cluster has its own character, and the official site recommends focusing on one region at a time rather than trying to crisscross the state. —Lauren Schuster, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2026

Adjective

The back features a crisscross strap detail but isn't quite as low-cut as the original. —Emily Kelleher, InStyle, 23 May 2026

Flat laces in a horizontal bar further tailor the look—the opposite of the crisscross patterns or fastenings of more casual sneakers. —Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 18 May 2026

Noun

The light tan crisscross straps, white buckle hardware, and subtle toe loop strike an elevated balance between casual and polished, while the slight wedge offers a little lift without sacrificing comfort. —Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 22 May 2026

Flat laces in a horizontal bar further tailor the look—the opposite of the crisscross patterns or fastenings of more casual sneakers. —Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 18 May 2026

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

Rhymes for crisscross

• across
• backcross
• lacrosse
• recross
• tomas
• albatross
• applesauce
• barabbas
• helios
• kshatriyas
• menelaus
• blas

Kids Definition

crisscross

1 of 2 verb

criss·​cross ˈkris-ˌkrȯs 

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