- 1[countable] a long vertical piece of wood with a shorter piece across it near the top. In the past people were hung on crosses and left to die as a punishment. Christian symbol
- 2the Cross [singular] the cross that Jesus Christ died on, used as a symbol of Christianity
- 3[countable] an object, a design, a piece of jewelry, etc. in the shape of a cross, used as a symbol of Christianity She wore a small gold cross on a chain around her neck. medal
- 4Cross [countable] a small decoration in the shape of a cross that is given to someone as an honor for doing something very brave mark on paper
- 5[countable] a mark or an object formed by two lines crossing each other (X or +); the mark (X) is often used on paper to show something I've put a cross on the map to show where the hotel is. Put a check if the answer is correct and a cross if it's wrong. Sign your name on the form where I've put a cross. Those who could not write signed with a cross. Put a cross beside the name of the candidate you wish to vote for. compare check mixture
- 6[countable, usually singular] cross (between A and B) a mixture of two different things, breeds of animal, etc. The play was a cross between a farce and a tragedy. A mule is a cross between a horse and a donkey. see hybrid in sports
- 7[countable] (in soccer or field hockey) a kick or hit of the ball across the field rather than up or down it see also Red Cross Idioms
for punishment
to have a difficult problem that makes you worried or unhappy but that you have to deal with We all have our crosses to bear.
Check pronunciation: cross