crosshair

noun

cross·​hair ˈkrȯs-ˌher 

: a fine wire or thread in the focus of the eyepiece of an optical instrument used as a reference line in the field or for marking the instrumental axis

—used figuratively to describe someone or something being targeted as if through an aiming device having crosshairs

… in the crosshairs this political season

—J. H. Alter

Examples of crosshair in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Another lifeline for colleges, the federal student loan system, is also in lawmakers’ crosshairs. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 23 June 2025

Khamenei himself was in Israel’s crosshairs, although President Donald Trump dissuaded the Israelis from assassinating him, fearing an even deeper escalation. —Daniel Depetris, Twin Cities, 20 June 2025

While the regulation is aimed at merchants, intermediaries like payment providers are certainly not out of the crosshairs. —Rochelle Blease, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025

Already in Manchester City’s recruitment crosshairs, Gibbs-White’s relentless energy and creative dynamism helped Forest qualify for Europe for the first time since 1995. —Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 2 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1684, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for crosshair

• abwehr
• affair
• affaire
• airfare
• altair
• armchair
• aware
• beware
• bugbear
• carfare
• childcare
• compare

Kids Definition

cross hair

noun

: one of the very thin wires or threads in the eyepiece of an optical instrument (as a microscope) used as a reference line