crosswise

1 of 2

adverb

cross·​wise ˈkrȯs-ˌwīz How to pronounce crosswise (audio)
1
archaic : in the form of a cross
2
: so as to cross something : across
carrot sticks cut crosswise

crosswise

2 of 2

adjective

1
2
: involved in conflict or disagreement
got crosswise with his teacher

Examples of crosswise in a Sentence

Adverb Cut the potato crosswise rather than lengthwise into thin slices. first cut the sandwiches crosswise and then trim the crusts Adjective He got crosswise with his boss and nearly lost his job.
Recent Examples on the Web
Adverb
Make another layer with another 1/4 of the eggplant slices, this time arranging them crosswise to the first layer. Carolyn Casner, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2022 Serve: Carve the chicken breasts off the bone, slice them crosswise, and serve with the salad. Beth Segal, cleveland, 23 Sep. 2021 Slice each wedge crosswise into triangles, no more than 1/8-inch-thick. Washington Post, 9 Jan. 2020 Cut each half crosswise into 1/16-inch-thick half-moon slices. Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'crosswise.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1883, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of crosswise was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near crosswise

Cite this Entry

“Crosswise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crosswise. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

crosswise

adverb
cross·​wise
-ˌswīz
: so as to cross something : across
logs laid crosswise
crosswise adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on crosswise

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