cross-examination

noun

cross-ex·​am·​i·​na·​tion ˈkrȯs-ig-ˌza-mə-ˈnā-shən 

: the examination of a witness who has already testified in order to check or discredit the witness's testimony, knowledge, or credibility compare direct examination

cross-examine

ˈkrȯs-ig-ˈza-mən 

verb

cross-examiner

ˈkrȯs-ig-ˈzam-nər 

-ˈza-mə-

noun

Examples of cross-examination in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Each would face cross-examination and difficult questions posed by skilled litigators attempting to undermine their positions. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 23 Oct. 2025

And defense counsel would have – cross-examination would have been withering. —Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2025

Under cross-examination by De Marco, Brown said Siegel driving their car would not impact on their sponsorship deal with main backer, RJ Reynolds Vapor Company. —Tom Burrows, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025

During the hearing, the actress and reality TV personality concluded cross-examination before Phypers took the stand to give his own testimony. —Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 8 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1707, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cross-examination

• acclimatisation
• acclimatization
• acidification
• actualization
• annualization
• autocorrelation
• autoregulation
• beatification
• beneficiation
• biodegradation
• biotransformation
• bureaucratization

Legal Definition

cross-examination

noun

: the examination of a witness who has already testified in order to check or discredit the witness's testimony, knowledge, or credibility see also confrontation clause compare direct examination, recross-examination, redirect examination

Note: In accordance with Rule 611 of the Federal Rules of Evidence, cross-examination should only refer to matters that were covered during direct examination or that are relevant to the witness's credibility. Anything exceeding these limits is permissible at the court's discretion. Leading questions are also ordinarily allowed on cross-examination under Rule 611.

cross-examine verb

cross-examiner noun