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

Additionally, the film’s cast undertook a cross-country promotional tour with stops in Dallas, Chicago and Miami while special screenings were held in Oklahoma and dedicated military screenings were held across the country. —Pamela McClintock, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 July 2024

State fans had a lot to celebrate over the past 12 months — Final Four berths for both the men’s and women’s basketball teams, a third consecutive women’s cross-country national title, nine wins in football and a College World Series berth in baseball were among the highlights. —Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 16 July 2024

Noun

The impromptu cross-country ski race on city streets happens anytime there’s significant snowfall in the city. —oregonlive, 23 Feb. 2023

There’s the Newbury Park distance crew of Leo Young, Lex Young and Aaron Sahlman coming off outstanding cross-country seasons. —Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1767, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1918, in the meaning defined above

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