cross-reference

1 of 2

noun

cross-ref·​er·​ence ˈkrȯs-ˈre-f(ə-)rən(t)s How to pronounce cross-reference (audio)
-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
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.
Noun
Some even cross-reference leaked Salesforce data with information from previous breaches to build disturbingly complete profiles of their victims. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2025 The software will then take the travelers’ biometric data, which will be used to cross-reference their passport information (including name, ID number, date of birth, and issue and expiration dates) and verify their arrival and exit. Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 24 Sep. 2025 Each contains information that human health researchers can cross-reference to study genes important for human health more efficiently. Evan Bush, NBC news, 15 Sep. 2025 Nguyen suggested that the OC Animal Care shelter could pull from the pet license database and cross-reference it with the voter registration rolls to see if any more animals might be registered to vote. Michael Slaten, Oc Register, 9 Sep. 2025 When proof of delivery or transit is required, analytical nodes cross-reference the aggregated records from various sources to confirm exactly when and where the package was seen. Markus Levin, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2025 People can also search the database by entering a case, citation or cross-reference number. Cate Charron, IndyStar, 2 Sep. 2025 Below is a map of the affected states: The FDA alert has a chart with corresponding item numbers, product descriptions, as well as UPC and lot numbers for customers to cross-reference. Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Aug. 2025 This will allow users to search and cross-reference the texts from anywhere in the world. Brittney Melton, NPR, 12 Aug. 2025
Verb
The system then cross-references the license plate with national and local law enforcement databases. Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 22 Oct. 2025 Authorities are continuing to investigate to corroborate Valencia’s partner’s account, reviewing surveillance footage and cell phone data, and cross-referencing his narrative with the wounds on her body, per local reports. Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025 Some even cross-reference leaked Salesforce data with information from previous breaches to build disturbingly complete profiles of their victims. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2025 The Tennessean cross-referenced the photo and found it was posted numerous times across multiple social media platforms, not connected to Bushart going back to 2024. Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 11 Oct. 2025 The software will then take the travelers’ biometric data, which will be used to cross-reference their passport information (including name, ID number, date of birth, and issue and expiration dates) and verify their arrival and exit. Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 24 Sep. 2025 Each contains information that human health researchers can cross-reference to study genes important for human health more efficiently. Evan Bush, NBC news, 15 Sep. 2025 Nguyen suggested that the OC Animal Care shelter could pull from the pet license database and cross-reference it with the voter registration rolls to see if any more animals might be registered to vote. Michael Slaten, Oc Register, 9 Sep. 2025 People can also search the database by entering a case, citation or cross-reference number. Cate Charron, IndyStar, 2 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1834, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1902, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cross-reference was in 1834

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cross-reference.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cross-reference. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.

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)

More from Merriam-Webster on cross-reference

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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