crossroad

noun

cross·​road ˈkrȯs-ˌrōd 

 also  -ˈrōd

1

: a road that crosses a main road or runs cross-country between main roads

2

usually crossroads ˈkrȯs-ˌrōdz 

 also  -ˈrōdz

plural in form but singular or plural in construction

a

: the place of intersection of two or more roads

b(1)

: a small community located at such a crossroads

(2)

: a central meeting place

c

: a crucial point especially where a decision must be made

Synonyms

• carrefour
• corner
• crossing
• crossway(s)
• intersection
• junction

Examples of crossroad in a Sentence

Traffic was stopped at the crossroad.

We turned onto a crossroad.

Recent Examples on the Web

Toledo was once one of the wealthiest and most prominent cities in America–thanks again to its crossroads location. —Chadd Scott, Forbes, 3 Sep. 2024

Loading your audio article As early voting began Saturday, the future of criminal justice in Palm Beach County is at a vital crossroads. —Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 10 Aug. 2024

Eyes on the prize: The aforementioned crossroads also extends to the competing Olympians. —Max Goldbart, Deadline, 26 July 2024

With over 50% of the island’s budget still reliant on the tourism industry, and floundering, Maui is at a crossroads. —Michele Bigley, TIME, 25 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1686, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

crossroad

noun

cross·​road ˈkrȯs-ˌrōd 

-ˈrōd

1

: a road that crosses a main road or runs across country between main roads

2

a

: a place where roads cross

—usually used in plural

b

: a small community at a crossroads

3

: a place or time at which a decision must be made