cross-reference

1 of 2

noun

cross-ref·​er·​ence ˈkrȯs-ˈre-f(ə-)rən(t)s 

-ˈre-fərn(t)s

: a notation or direction at one place (as in a book or filing system) to pertinent information at another place

cross-reference

2 of 2

verb

cross-referenced; cross-referencing; cross-references

transitive verb

1

: to supply with cross-references

cross-reference a book

2

: to research, verify, or organize by means of cross-references

cross-reference information

Examples of cross-reference in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Happily, the show is not up to its cowl in DC cross-references and crossovers. — Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026

Investigators cross-reference this information with other sources to generate leads and make arrests. — Larry Seward, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026

Verb

Reporters cross-referenced the department’s records with data from the Motor Carrier Management Information System to ensure only accidents involving commercial trucks were included in the analysis. — Justin Mayo, New York Times, 12 May 2026

But always cross-reference app suggestions against other apps as well as physical tools. — Jamie Siebrase, Denver Post, 8 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1834, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1902, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for cross-reference

• deference
• preference
• reference

Kids Definition

cross-reference

noun

cross-ref·​er·​ence

ˈkrȯs-ˈref-ərn(t)s, 

-ˈref-(ə-)rən(t)s

: a reference made from one place to another (as in a dictionary)