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

During cross-examination, Jordan will be asked about how 23XI came into existence five years ago, with the questions trying to get Jordan to admit that the ability to buy and sell charters made that possible. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 5 Dec. 2025

During Keefe’s cross-examination, Tipton also invoked the name of a controversial former Massachusetts State Trooper, Michael Proctor, who was fired for misconduct that was uncovered through his participation in the prosecution of Karen Read. —Lauren Del Valle, CNN Money, 5 Dec. 2025

Massachusetts State Trooper Nicholas Guarino is back on the stand and cross-examination is starting up again. —Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 4 Dec. 2025

In cross-examination, antitrust defense attorney Lawrence Buterman pressed Hamlin as to why 23XI Racing is seeking $205 million in damages — a figure representing a 900% return for damages under the 2016 charter, since Hamlin has invested $45 million of his own money as of August 2024. —Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 3 Dec. 2025

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