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

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

Human background actors are also in Schrader’s crosshairs. —Dade Hayes, Deadline, 28 May 2026

As does every Californian who may find themselves in the government’s crosshairs. —Jeremy Talcott, Oc Register, 27 May 2026

Narrative is intertwined with character, so that every dramatic development reveals something about the people forever trapped in the crosshairs of April 8, 2003. —Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 25 May 2026

The Silvers, too, might end up in his crosshairs if Mae isn't reelected. —Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 23 May 2026

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