the sign of the cross
noun phrase
: a movement of the hand that forms a cross shape and that is done as an expression of the Christian faith
She knelt and made the sign of the cross.
Examples of the sign of the cross in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Like the sign of the cross or blowing on dice, a ritual is a prescribed sequence of gestures or words that make a moment sacred, holy.
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Mira Ptacin, Vogue, 3 Nov. 2023
The minister took off his peaked cap and made the sign of the cross according to Orthodox tradition.
—Dmitry Adamsky, Foreign Affairs, 14 June 2019
To Celts, a sudden gust of air — thought to be a mischievous fairy wind — awakens a deep-down stirring, and the pious would make the sign of the cross whenever the wind blew.
—Jim Higgins, Journal Sentinel, 2 June 2023
The rays of Eternal Russia have made the sign of the cross on you!
—Vladimir Sorokin, Harper's Magazine, 13 July 2022
Mira Ptacin, Vogue, 3 Nov. 2023
The minister took off his peaked cap and made the sign of the cross according to Orthodox tradition.
—Dmitry Adamsky, Foreign Affairs, 14 June 2019
To Celts, a sudden gust of air — thought to be a mischievous fairy wind — awakens a deep-down stirring, and the pious would make the sign of the cross whenever the wind blew.
—Jim Higgins, Journal Sentinel, 2 June 2023
The rays of Eternal Russia have made the sign of the cross on you!
—Vladimir Sorokin, Harper's Magazine, 13 July 2022
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'the sign of the cross.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near the sign of the cross
Cite this Entry
“The sign of the cross.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20sign%20of%20the%20cross. Accessed 5 Dec. 2023.
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