cross-examination

noun

cross-ex·​am·​i·​na·​tion ˈkrȯs-ig-ˌza-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce cross-examination (audio)
: 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 verb
cross-examiner noun

Examples of cross-examination in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
His attorneys elected instead to challenge the accusers' credibility during lengthy cross-examination questioning. CBS News, 30 June 2025 His attorneys elected instead to challenge the accusers’ credibility during lengthy cross-examination questioning. Larry Neumeister, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025 Diddy did not take the stand himself, which would have opened him up to cross-examination by federal prosecutors. Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 Since 2023, the defense has continued to push to use an alibi defense, saying the alibi may emerge from cross-examination or expert testimony about Kohberger’s cell phone tower data. Jean Casarez, CNN Money, 28 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for cross-examination

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1707, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cross-examination was circa 1707

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Cite this Entry

“Cross-examination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cross-examination. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on cross-examination

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