crosshair

noun

cross·​hair ˈkrȯs-ˌher How to pronounce crosshair (audio)
: 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
The tactics landed the company's top brass in the crosshairs of the Securities and Exchange Commission.Houston Chronicle

Examples of crosshair in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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When Yumeko, played by Martineau, a mysterious transfer student arrives, her gambling prowess puts her in the crosshairs of the powerful Student Council, while her secret quest for revenge threatens to upend the school’s status quo entirely. Peter White, Deadline, 18 June 2026 However, before Rachel can truly start pooling her resources to investigate, David finds himself in the crosshairs of a rogue corrections officer, Ted Wesson (Christopher Redman). Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 18 June 2026 Roughly one-fifth of the world's oil supply has been caught in the crosshairs of Tehran's stranglehold on the strait, which closed at the beginning of the war, driving up gas prices. Justin Fishel, ABC News, 17 June 2026 The two have continued to put one another in their political crosshairs, with Jones appearing alone at a debate after Jackson canceled due to scheduling conflicts, and Jackson launching seemingly endless ad campaigns both on television and in the mail. Irene Wright, USA Today, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for crosshair

Word History

First Known Use

1684, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of crosshair was in 1684

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Cite this Entry

“Crosshair.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crosshair. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.

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
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