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crossing

noun cross·ing \ ˈkrȯ-siŋ \
|Updated on: 9 Jun 2018

Definition of crossing

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

See crossing defined for English-language learners

See crossing defined for kids

Examples of crossing in a Sentence

  1. Stop at the railroad crossing.

  2. a crossing for ferry boats

  3. the crossing of a mountain range

  4. a weeklong crossing of the Atlantic Ocean

Recent Examples of crossing from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'crossing.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of crossing

1575

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year
NEW! Time Traveler

crossing Synonyms

Synonyms

corner, crossroad, crossway(s), intersection, junction;

Related Words

cloverleaf, interchange, overpass, underpass;

circle, rotary, traffic circle;

Phrases Related to CROSSING

Related Phrases

CROSSING Defined for English Language Learners

crossing

noun

Definition of crossing for English Language Learners

  • : a place where two things (such as a street and a railroad track) cross each other

  • : a place where you can cross a street, stream, etc.

  • : the act of going across something

CROSSING Defined for Kids

crossing

noun cross·ing \ ˈkrȯ-siŋ \

Definition of crossing for Students

1 : a point where a line, track, or street intersects another line, track, or street
2 : a place provided for going across a street, railroad tracks, or a stream
3 : a voyage across a body of water

Learn More about crossing

  1. Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for crossing Spanish Central: Translation of crossing Nglish: Translation of crossing for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of crossing for Arabic speakers

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