sign of the cross
noun phrase
: a gesture of the hand forming a cross especially on forehead, breast, and shoulders to profess Christian faith or invoke divine protection or blessing
Examples of sign of the cross in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In pairs, cardinals approached the casket, bowed and made a sign of the cross, followed by bishops, ushers, priests and nuns.
—
Colleen Barry and Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2025
On Ash Wednesday, observant Catholics receive a sign of the cross in ashes on their foreheads, a gesture that underscores human mortality.
—Nicole Winfield, Chicago Tribune, 6 Mar. 2025
No more fleas, either, or comical renderings of the Catholic sign of the cross.
—Dan Barry, New York Times, 15 Mar. 2024
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.
Colleen Barry and Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2025
On Ash Wednesday, observant Catholics receive a sign of the cross in ashes on their foreheads, a gesture that underscores human mortality.
—Nicole Winfield, Chicago Tribune, 6 Mar. 2025
No more fleas, either, or comical renderings of the Catholic sign of the cross.
—Dan Barry, New York Times, 15 Mar. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Sign of the cross.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sign%20of%20the%20cross. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share