Cross (verb): to go or move from one side to the other side of something. Cross the road at the pedestrian crossing.
Cross (noun): a mark or structure in the shape of ×, formed by two lines intersecting at right angles; also a hybrid between two different breeds or species.
Cross (adjective): (British English, informal) angry, annoyed, or irritated. She was cross with him for arriving late.
What Does Cross Mean?
Cross is one of the oldest and most versatile words in English, traceable to Old Norse kross and Latin crux, meaning a stake or instrument of crucifixion. It entered Old English around the 10th century and quickly expanded its range of meanings far beyond the religious context. Over time it gave rise to dozens of compound words and phrases — from crossroads and cross-country to double-cross and hot cross bun — making it an unusually productive root in the language.
The adjective sense of "irritated" developed in the 17th century, most likely from the older idea of being "contrary" or working "at cross purposes" with someone. This use is particularly common in British and Australian English; American speakers tend to prefer annoyed or angry in the same contexts. Understanding all three parts of speech — and knowing which register each belongs to — is an important step in sounding natural in British English.
Note that as a verb cross is neutral and formal enough for all registers, while as an adjective it leans informal. The noun covers a wide range of meanings depending on context: a religious symbol, a genetic hybrid, a sporting delivery, or simply a tick-like mark on a piece of paper.
Example Sentences by CEFR Level
| Sentence | Level & note |
|---|---|
| Cross the road at the pedestrian crossing. | A2 — basic imperative, verb |
| She was cross with her brother because he had eaten her biscuits. | B1 — adjective, informal British English |
| The two rivers cross just north of the city centre. | B1 — verb, intransitive, geography context |
| The charity's logo is a simple red cross on a white background. | B2 — noun, symbolic/institutional use |
| Scientists crossed the domestic tomato with a wild variety to produce a disease-resistant strain. | C1 — verb, scientific register, hybrid meaning |
Collocations
| Collocation | Example |
|---|---|
| cross the road / street | Always cross the road at a designated crossing. |
| cross the border | They crossed the border at dawn to avoid queues. |
| cross the finish line | She crossed the finish line three seconds ahead of the field. |
| feel / get cross | He got cross when the train was cancelled again. |
| be cross with someone | Mum was cross with us for leaving mud on the carpet. |
| cross your fingers | Cross your fingers — the results are out tomorrow! |
| cross your mind | It never crossed my mind that she might refuse. |
| double-cross | He double-crossed his business partner and kept the profits. |
| hot cross bun | Hot cross buns are traditionally eaten on Good Friday. |
| cross-reference | Please cross-reference the figures with the original report. |
Usage Notes
- Register: As a verb and noun, cross is suitable for all registers — formal, academic, and informal. As an adjective meaning "annoyed", it is informal and primarily British; in formal writing use irritated, annoyed, or displeased instead.
- British vs. American English: The adjective use ("I'm cross with you") is distinctly British. American English speakers generally say "I'm annoyed/angry with you." Both forms are understood internationally, but only the British form sounds natural in UK contexts.
- Preposition choice: When cross is an adjective, use with for a person ("cross with him") and about for a situation ("cross about the delay"). Using at is also heard but slightly less standard in British English.
- Compound words: Cross forms dozens of productive compounds: crossroads, crossword, cross-country, cross-cultural, crossfire. These are all one concept, not the literal act of crossing a road.
- Sport: In football (soccer), a cross is a pass delivered from a wide position into the penalty area. "He delivered a perfect cross from the right wing." This is noun use, specialist register.
Common Mistakes
Watch Out For
I am cross at you for lying to me.
I am cross with you for lying to me. (use with for a person, not at)
She crossed to the other side of road.
She crossed to the other side of the road. (do not omit the article the)
He was very cross because his team loosed.
He was very cross because his team lost. (lost is the past tense of lose, not loosed)