What does "crisscross" mean?
A pattern of crossed lines.
Crisscross
/ˈkɹɪsˌkɹɒs/ adj, adv, noun, verb
adj, adv, noun, verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A pattern of crossed lines.
- Grammar: crisscross is listed as adj, adv, noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: cross, across, across the grain, ankh.
- Useful contrasts: direct route, parallel lines, single path.
- Usage evidence: As it turned out, the itinerary was disconcertingly illogical, involving criss-crossing America in anything but a straight line.
How to use "crisscross"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "crisscross" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "crisscross" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "crisscross" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "crisscross" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "crisscross" is acting as adj, adv, noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "cross" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "crisscross", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A pattern of crossed lines. countable
"We reach the first barrier, which is like the barriers blocking off roadworks, or dug-up sewers: a wooden crisscross painted in yellow and black stripes, a red hexagon which means Stop."
- 2 a marking that consists of lines that cross each other wordnet
- 3 A mark or cross, such as the signature of a person who is unable to write. countable
- 4 A kind of crossword puzzle having no clues or definitions, but only a list of words that must be fitted into the grid. countable
"A definite advantage of the fact that no fill-in-the-blank sentences are used is that it's very easy for kids to enter their own words and see them instantly transformed into crisscrosses, word searches, and other fun games."
- 5 A child's game played on paper or on a slate, consisting of lines arranged in the form of a cross. obsolete, uncountable
Verb
- 1 To move back and forth over or through. transitive
"As it turned out, the itinerary was disconcertingly illogical, involving criss-crossing America in anything but a straight line."
- 2 mark with a pattern of crossing lines wordnet
- 3 To mark with crossed lines. transitive
- 4 mark with or consist of a pattern of crossed lines wordnet
- 5 cross in a pattern, often random wordnet
Adjective
- 1 Marked with crossed lines; crisscrossed. not-comparable
Adjective
- 1 marked with crossing lines wordnet
Adverb
- 1 Crossing one another. not-comparable
Adverb
- 1 crossing one another in opposite directions wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
direct routeparallel linessingle pathsolid mass
Example
"As it turned out, the itinerary was disconcertingly illogical, involving criss-crossing America in anything but a straight line."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "crisscross"?
Common synonyms include: cross, across, across the grain, ankh, athwart, athwartships.
How do you use "crisscross" in a sentence?
As it turned out, the itinerary was disconcertingly illogical, involving criss-crossing America in anything but a straight line.
How do you pronounce "crisscross"?
Pronounced /ˈkɹɪsˌkɹɒs/.
Etymology
From Middle English crist-crosse, crists-crosse (“Christ's cross”).