cross-country

1 of 2

adjective

cross-coun·​try ˈkrȯs-ˈkən-trē How to pronounce cross-country (audio)
-ˌkən-
1
: extending or moving across a country
a cross-country concert tour
2
: proceeding over countryside (as across fields and through woods) and not by roads
3
: of or relating to racing or skiing over the countryside instead of over a track or run
cross-country adverb

cross-country

2 of 2

noun

: cross-country racing or skiing

Examples of cross-country in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
The 50-day, cross-country journey reinforced his mentality to try racing again. — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 22 June 2026 Known for traversing the comedy club scene throughout the Big Apple, the stand-up artist is taking her talents on the road for the remainder of the year as part of a cross-country tour. — Justin Klawans, TheWeek, 26 June 2026
Noun
But what’s the argument in favor of banning them from the 100-yard dash, or cross-country track, or diving, or archery? — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026 One Sunday morning my son and I were starting a cross-country drive to my next military assignment. — Jim Anderson, Christian Science Monitor, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for cross-country

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1767, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1905, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cross-country was in 1767

Rhymes for cross-country

See All Rhymes for cross-country

Browse Nearby Words

cross counter
cross-country
crosscourt
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cross-country.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cross-country. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cross-country

1 of 2 adjective
cross-coun·​try
ˈkrȯ-ˈskən-trē
1
: extending or moving across a country
a cross-country railroad
a cross-country concert tour
2
: going over the countryside rather than by roads
3
: dealing with or being racing or skiing over the countryside instead of over a track or run
cross-country adverb

cross-country

2 of 2 noun
: cross-country skiing or racing

More from Merriam-Webster on cross-country

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cross-country

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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