cross-country

1 of 2

adjective

cross-coun·​try ˈkrȯs-ˈkən-trē 

-ˌkən-

1

: extending or moving across a country

a cross-country concert tour

2

: proceeding over countryside (as across fields and through woods) and not by roads

3

: of or relating to racing or skiing over the countryside instead of over a track or run

cross-country adverb

cross-country

2 of 2

noun

: cross-country racing or skiing

Examples of cross-country in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Söderholm plays cross-country skiing top athlete Anna who gets one more chance to become a world champion. —John Hopewell, Variety, 28 Apr. 2026

Canaan Valley Resort is one of the most family-friendly destinations, with tubing, cross-country skiing, and ice skating, along with four lifts and 47 runs. —Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Apr. 2026

Noun

But his next book will combine the two — in addition to the familiar Virginia setting, the action will go cross-country and reach Los Angeles. —Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2026

In the winter, the sporting club transforms into a haven for cross-country skiers. —Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1767, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1905, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cross-country

• backcountry
• countrie
• country
• intercountry

Kids Definition

cross-country

1 of 2 adjective

cross-coun·​try

ˈkrȯ-ˈskən-trē

1

: extending or moving across a country

a cross-country railroad

a cross-country concert tour

2

: going over the countryside rather than by roads

3

: dealing with or being racing or skiing over the countryside instead of over a track or run

cross-country adverb

cross-country

2 of 2 noun

: cross-country skiing or racing