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

Earlier in the cross-examination, Genard, the district's attorney, focused on Maluchnik's time as Superintendent of Wilkinsburg's school district. — Ricky Sayer, CBS News, 26 June 2026

Reinhardt’s testimony resumed with cross-examination after a break for lunch. — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 June 2026

During aggressive cross-examination of ATF agents, Haney peppered them with questions about what steps were taken to protect the integrity of the site of the Lachman fire. — Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026

Defense attorney Michael Burt had argued a video deposition prosecutors conducted with a key witness is hearsay evidence and should not be admissible, as the witness could not be subject to cross-examination. — Andi Babineau, CNN Money, 22 June 2026

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