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 of crossroad

• intersection
• corner
• junction

Examples of crossroad in a Sentence

Traffic was stopped at the crossroad.

We turned onto a crossroad.

Recent Examples on the Web

At the crossroads of environmental advocacy, creative expression and community leadership, Deni Luna, MA, stands as a woman whose diverse career reflects the complex challenges of today. —K.h. Koehler, USA Today, 19 Jan. 2026

And perhaps most importantly, the Metropolitan Transit System is at a financial crossroads that could lead to either major service cuts or a significant expansion if local voters approve a possible 2028 ballot measure. —David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Jan. 2026

Ukraine House in Davos Ukraine House Davos will return to the crossroads of global political debates at the World Economic Forum from January 19 to 22. —Katya Soldak, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026

College writing instruction is at a crossroads. —David Head, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1686, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for crossroad

• abode
• anode
• barcode
• bestowed
• boatload
• borrowed
• carload
• caseload
• cathode
• commode
• corrode
• decode

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