crossing

noun

cross·​ing ˈkrȯ-siŋ How to pronounce crossing (audio)
1
: the act or action of crossing: such as
a
: a traversing or traveling across
b
: an opposing, blocking, or thwarting especially in an unfair or dishonest manner
2
a
: a place or structure (as on a street or over a river) where pedestrians or vehicles cross
especially : crosswalk
b
: the place in a cruciform church where the transept crosses the nave
c
: a place where a railroad track crosses a street

Examples of crossing in a Sentence

Stop at the railroad crossing. a crossing for ferry boats the crossing of a mountain range a weeklong crossing of the Atlantic Ocean
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Biometrics are less secure than passwords for device protection at border crossings. Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 16 May 2025 But with all border crossings closed since March 2 — the longest the population has ever faced — food prices in markets have spiked to astronomical levels, putting what little food is available out of reach for most families. Sarah Ferguson, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025 The number of people crossing into the Great Lakes State from Canada fell 11% in February and March, with vehicle crossings down 15% in February and 18% in March. Detroit News, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025 The amount was increased in early 2024, at a time when border crossings were at an all-time high and CBP was stretched as officers sought to detain people between ports of entry and were required to look after hundreds of new arrivals in temporary shelters. Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for crossing

Word History

First Known Use

1575, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of crossing was in 1575

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Crossing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crossing. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

crossing

noun
cross·​ing ˈkrȯ-siŋ How to pronounce crossing (audio)
1
a
: the act of one that crosses
b
: a voyage across water
c
: the act or process of interbreeding or hybridizing
2
: a place where a street or stream is crossed
3
: a place where two things (as a street and a railroad track) cross

More from Merriam-Webster on crossing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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