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

Fortunately, today, researchers explained that recent advancements in paleogenomics have permitted this cross-examination between modern genomes and ancient DNA, Archaeology Mag reports. —Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 21 Dec. 2025

Upon cross-examination, Mangione’s lead defense attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo accused Wasser of searching the backpack with Fox prior to arriving at the precinct, which Wasser vehemently denied. —Lorena O’Neil, Rolling Stone, 20 Dec. 2025

The defense, however, raised additional concerns about evidence collection during cross-examination. —Michael Ruiz , Brendan McDonald, FOXNews.com, 17 Dec. 2025

One of Dugan's attorneys, Nicole Masnica, is expected to begin her cross-examination of Baker this morning. —John Diedrich, jsonline.com, 16 Dec. 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