cross-country

1 of 2

adjective

cross-coun·​try ˈkrȯs-ˈkən-trē 

-ˌkən-

1

: extending or moving across a country

a cross-country concert tour

2

: proceeding over countryside (as across fields and through woods) and not by roads

3

: of or relating to racing or skiing over the countryside instead of over a track or run

cross-country adverb

cross-country

2 of 2

noun

: cross-country racing or skiing

Examples of cross-country in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

One of its titans, the robber baron George Russell (Morgan Spector), envisions an express line that will enable cross-country transport at an unprecedented pace. —Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 24 June 2025

This car was entered in the 1975 edition of the challenge by Jack May and Rick Cline, who completed the cross-country journey in just 35 hours and 53 minutes, beating the previous record by a minute. —Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 24 June 2025

Noun

The impromptu cross-country ski race on city streets happens anytime there’s significant snowfall in the city. —oregonlive, 23 Feb. 2023

There’s the Newbury Park distance crew of Leo Young, Lex Young and Aaron Sahlman coming off outstanding cross-country seasons. —Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1767, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1918, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cross-country

• backcountry
• countrie
• country
• intercountry

Kids Definition

cross-country

1 of 2 adjective

cross-coun·​try

ˈkrȯ-ˈskən-trē

1

: extending or moving across a country

a cross-country railroad

a cross-country concert tour

2

: going over the countryside rather than by roads

3

: dealing with or being racing or skiing over the countryside instead of over a track or run

cross-country adverb

cross-country

2 of 2 noun

: cross-country skiing or racing