What does crosswise mean?
Crosswise means in a direction across something, at right angles to its length or main axis. It functions chiefly as an adverb — 'cut the cucumber crosswise', 'lay the planks crosswise' — but also serves as an adjective when describing something positioned or extending across another thing, as in 'a beam placed crosswise'. The word belongs to the same family as clockwise, likewise, and lengthwise, all built on the old suffix '-wise', which originally meant 'manner' or 'direction' rather than intelligence or prudence. Crosswise is a thoroughly practical word, appearing most often in cooking, crafts, construction, and everyday instruction, where precision about orientation matters. It has no figurative or emotional weight; its value lies in clarity. Its natural opposite is lengthwise, and choosing between the two often makes the difference between slices, folds, or joints that work and ones that don't.
In a direction across something rather than along its length; at right angles to the main axis.
"Fold the paper crosswise, then crease firmly along the middle."
Positioned, lying, or extending across something rather than along its length.
"A rafter lay crosswise over the opening of the shed roof."
The '-wise' suffix doesn't mean smart here — it's the Old English word for 'manner' or 'direction', so crosswise simply means 'in a cross manner', which is why it rhymes with clockwise and likewise.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of crosswise
Crosswise combines 'cross', borrowed into Middle English from Old Norse 'kross', itself from Latin 'crux' meaning stake or gibbet, with the Old English-derived suffix '-wise', meaning manner or direction, as in 'otherwise' and 'likewise'. The compound arose in English by the sixteenth century as part of a broader pattern of directional '-wise' words such as 'lengthwise' and 'endwise'. Words sharing the ultimate Latin root include 'crucial', 'crucifix', and 'crusade', all tracing back through Latin 'crux' or its derived forms.
Related word forms
How crosswise is actually used
Mostly practical and physical in register — common in recipes, craft instructions, carpentry, and everyday directions. It carries no emotional connotation; it is purely about orientation. In American English it appears more often than its synonym 'athwart', which survives mainly in nautical contexts.
Easily confused with crosswise
Lengthwise means running along an object's length, whereas crosswise means across it at right angles to the length.
Crossways is a near-synonym of crosswise, but in British English it is more common and can carry a figurative sense of 'contrary' or 'awry' that crosswise rarely does.