Definition of cross-purpose
: a purpose usually unintentionally contrary to another purpose of oneself or of someone or something else
—usually used in plural the two were always working at cross-purposes
Keep scrolling for more
Test Your Vocabulary
Which Word Does Not Belong?
-
- Which of these words does not mean "nonsense"?

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share cross-purpose
Time Traveler for cross-purpose
The first known use of cross-purpose was in 1668
See more words from the same year