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

Even the Ugg Britta Pants are under $30 now—soft enough for a cross-country flight, but polished enough to wear straight to brunch. —Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 15 Feb. 2026

After ending the cross-country run in 2019, Lyman said felt a void and a big influence came from his teaching career. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 15 Feb. 2026

Noun

The rest of the field starts the cross-country ski race behind the leader according to the ranking from their jump. —ABC News, 17 Feb. 2026

The Trojans have completed their final cross-country road trip of the season, pulling out a 77-75 win against Penn State before a late comeback attempt faltered in an 89-82 loss to Ohio State. —Haley Sawyer, Oc Register, 17 Feb. 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