1 a [count] : a long piece of wood with a shorter piece across it near the top that people were once fastened to and left to die on as a form of punishment
b the Cross : the cross on which Jesus Christ died
c [count] : an object or image in the shape of a cross that is used as a symbol of Christianity
▪ a necklace with a gold cross — see also sign of the cross 2 [count] : a decoration in the shape of a cross that is given to someone as an honor especially for military courage 3 [count] : a mark formed by two lines that cross each other
▪ The teacher marked the absent students on her list with crosses. ▪ Those who could not write signed their names with a cross. 4 [count] : a mixture of two different things, types, or qualities
▪ Snowboarding is a cross between surfing and skiing. ▪ The play is a cross between comedy and romance. ▪ The dog is a cross of hunting dog and sheepdog. 5 [count] boxing : a punch that goes over an opponent's punch
▪ a right cross 6 [count] soccer : a kick or hit of the ball that goes across the field from one side to another or to the middle of the field