First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1across
adverb \ə-ˈkrȯs, chiefly dialect -ˈkrȯst\
: from one side to the other
: in a measurement from one side to the other side
: on the opposite side
Full Definition of ACROSS
1
: in a position reaching from one side to the other : crosswise
2
: to or on the opposite side
3
: so as to be understandable, acceptable, or successful <get an argument across>
See across defined for English-language learners
See across defined for kids
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Origin of ACROSS
Middle English acros, from Anglo-French an crois, from an in (from Latin in) + crois cross, from Latin crux
Rhymes with ACROSS
2across
adjective
Definition of ACROSS
: being in a crossed position
First Known Use of ACROSS
circa 1576
3across
preposition
: from one side to the other side of (something)
: on the other side of (something)
: so as to reach or spread over or throughout (something)
Full Definition of ACROSS
1
2
: so as to intersect or pass through at an angle <sawed across the grain of the wood>
3
: so as to find or meet <came across your football in the hall closet>
4
a : throughout <obvious interest across the nation — Robert Goralski> b : so as to include or take into consideration all classes or categories <across differences, they insist, there can be no rational dialogue — Huston Smith>
See across defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of ACROSS
1591
ACROSS Defined for Kids
1across
adverb \ə-ˈkrȯs\
Definition of ACROSS for Kids
1
: from one side to the other <They reached across and shook hands.>
2
: a measurement from one side to another <The lake is a mile across.>
3
: on the opposite side <Watch me till I get across.>
2across
preposition
Definition of ACROSS for Kids
1
: to or on the opposite side of <The chicken ran across the street.> <My grandparents live across the street.>
2
: so as to pass, go over, or intersect at an angle <Lay one stick across another.>
3
: in every part of <The story spread all across town.>
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