crossroad

noun

cross·road | \ ˈkrȯs-ˌrōd

How to pronounce crossroad (audio)

also -ˈrōd \

Definition of crossroad

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

2 usually crossroads\ ˈkrȯs-ˌrōdz

How to pronounce crossroad (audio)

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 Example Sentences Learn More about crossroad

Keep scrolling for more

Examples of crossroad in a Sentence

Traffic was stopped at the crossroad. We turned onto a crossroad.

Recent Examples on the Web Zanzibar, an island off the coast of Tanzania in East Africa, is a unique crossroad of cultures. — Darren Humphreys, Travel + Leisure, "How to Enjoy the Charms of Zanzibar, According to a Travel + Leisure A-List Advisor," 12 Mar. 2021 The Huntsville product face another crossroad after last season when the NBA Draft was an option. — Michael Casagrande | Mcasagrande@al.com, al, "Alabama stars explain emotional moment when they cut down the nets," 3 Mar. 2021 Leigh Chapman, a lawyer with the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, which filed a brief supporting the challengers, said the Supreme Court faced a crossroad. — Adam Liptak, BostonGlobe.com, "A Supreme Court test for what’s left of the Voting Rights Act," 28 Feb. 2021 Leigh Chapman, a lawyer with the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, which filed a brief supporting the challengers, said the Supreme Court faced a crossroad. — Adam Liptak, New York Times, "A Supreme Court Test for What’s Left of the Voting Rights Act," 28 Feb. 2021 In another life, the fourth-century B.C. likeness stood at a crossroad or gate, where ancient Greeks could appeal to its subject, the patron god of travelers and merchants, to ensure their safe passage. — Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, "Ninety Fascinating Finds Revealed in 2020," 29 Dec. 2020 And Martin’s sentiments reflect those felt by chefs and restaurants across the country who have been confronted by the same crossroad: evolve or die. — Washington Post, "As customers and coastlines disappear, a New Orleans chef fights for her community," 17 Dec. 2020 Construction is completed on eight crossroad bridges over the Dan Ryan, Kennedy and Eisenhower, 10 ramps and the mainline Eisenhower through the interchange. — Robert Channick, chicagotribune.com, "Final four ramps to open as Jane Byrne Interchange construction shifts to mainline Kennedy and Dan Ryan," 11 Dec. 2020 One family has to walk to the nearest crossroad to get cellphone reception. — Dan Levin, New York Times, "In Rural ‘Dead Zones,’ School Comes on a Flash Drive," 13 Nov. 2020

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

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about crossroad

Dictionary Entries near crossroad

cross-resistance

Statistics for crossroad

Last Updated

12 Apr 2021

Cite this Entry

“Crossroad.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crossroad. Accessed 9 May. 2021.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster Check Mark Icon

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for crossroad

crossroad

noun

English Language Learners Definition of crossroad

: a place where two or more roads cross

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

See the full definition for crossroad in the English Language Learners Dictionary

crossroad

noun

cross·road | \ ˈkrȯs-ˌrōd

\

Kids Definition of crossroad

: a place where roads run across each other —usually used in pl.

Comments on crossroad

What made you want to look up crossroad? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

WORD OF THE DAY

paean

Listen to the pronunciation of paean

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Star Wars Words Quiz

The bounty portion of bounty hunters (such as Boba Fett) comes from a Latin word meaning

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Anagram puzzles meet word search.

TAKE THE QUIZ