What does crisscross mean?
Crisscross describes a pattern of lines, paths, or movements that repeatedly cross one another. As a noun, it names that intersecting arrangement — the crisscross of branches overhead, or scratches forming a crisscross on a surface. As a verb, it means to travel back and forth across an area, often extensively: a politician might crisscross the state ahead of an election, or railway lines crisscross a busy city. It also functions adjectivally, as in a crisscross pattern or crisscross straps. The word belongs to a small family of English reduplications formed by varying a single vowel — like zigzag and ping-pong — combining 'criss' and 'cross', both ultimately derived from 'cross'. Its tone is neutral and concrete, making it equally at home in technical description (geometry, textiles, geography) and vivid narrative writing about movement and travel. It is a precise, economical choice whenever intersecting lines or restless traversal need describing.
A pattern or arrangement of intersecting lines, strokes, or paths.
"The old map was covered in a crisscross of pencil markings."
Often used with prepositions such as 'of' ('a crisscross of scars').
To move back and forth over an area in different directions; to form or mark with intersecting lines.
"Ferries crisscross the harbour all day."
Arranged in or marked by intersecting lines or crossing directions.
"She wore sandals with crisscross straps."
Regular plural; used when referring to multiple distinct patterns of intersecting lines.
"The fabric featured several crisscrosses woven into its design."
Crisscross is a rare English word built by reduplication with alternating vowel sounds — the same playful pattern behind words like zigzag and ping-pong.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of crisscross
Crisscross arose in English in the early 17th century as a reduplicated variant of 'cross', formed by prefixing the altered syllable 'criss' — a playful vowel-alternating construction similar to zigzag and riffraff. The base word 'cross' comes from Old Norse 'kross', ultimately from Latin 'crux'. The phrase 'Christ's-cross' (the shape traced in old primers) is sometimes cited as influencing the 'criss' element, though the exact development is debated. Cognates sharing the Latin root include 'crosswise', 'crucial', and 'crusade'.
How crisscross is actually used
Neutral register, common in both everyday and journalistic writing. The verb is frequently used in the progressive ('was crisscrossing') to describe sustained travel across an area. As an adjective it usually appears attributively ('a crisscross pattern').
Easily confused with crisscross
"Cross-cross" is not a standard English word; the correct reduplicated form is "crisscross," which alternates the vowels i and o.