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

On cross-examination, Long testified that Davis identified the same four men investigators already believed were in the Cadillac when Shakur was shot. — CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026

The defense has finished cross-examination of Saathoff, the final witness of the weekslong trial. — Sumiko Corley, NBC news, 26 Aug. 2026

On cross-examination, Reddington took aim at Heilbrun’s credentials. — Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 25 Aug. 2026

During cross-examinations of the state’s witnesses, Barrett raised questions about whether Edgar fired the second volley of gunshots after Hill was killed. — Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026

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