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

Prior to the track and field championships, several other had confirmed controversial incidents involving trans athletes competing in girls' high school volleyball, basketball and cross-country. —Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 9 July 2025

In its modern era, the all-inclusive Hudson Valley retreat provides s little bit of something for everyone, from rock climbing and hiking to snow tubing and cross-country skiing. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2025

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

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