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

One of Iran’s signature filmmakers — and among those most often in the theocratic government’s crosshairs — the 52-year-old auteur, now living in exile in Europe, tells the story of a family whose social standing becomes threatened by simmering societal tensions right outside their door. —Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 28 Nov. 2024

One semi-successful venture during World War II was using spider silk for the crosshairs in bomb sites due to the fiber's minimal size and optical properties. —William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024

Napier’s Gators ended up in Kiffin’s crosshairs during their low-scoring 2023 spring game. —Edgar Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 18 Nov. 2024

One of the sin industries that may be in Labour’s crosshairs is the gambling sector. —Sam Meredith, CNBC, 29 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1684, in the meaning defined above

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