across

1 of 3

preposition

ə-ˈkrȯs How to pronounce across (audio)
 chiefly dialectal  -ˈkrȯst
1
a
: from one side to the opposite side of : over, through
swam across the river
b
: on the opposite side of
lives across the street from us
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
Researchers have come across important new evidence.
4
a
: throughout
… obvious interest across the nation. Robert Goralski
b
: so as to include or take into consideration all classes or categories

across

2 of 3

adverb

1
: in a position reaching from one side to the other : crosswise
cut the potato across into thin slices
2
: to or on the opposite side
The stream was small enough to jump across.
3
: so as to be understandable, acceptable, or successful
trying to get an argument across

across

3 of 3

adjective

: being in a crossed position
stood with her arms across

Examples of across in a Sentence

Preposition We took a ferry across the river. We saw them walking across the street. She reached across the table to shake his hand.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Preposition
If finalized without amending, this proposal will undermine Congress's intent and stunt efforts to achieve justice across the nation. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025 Although Bundy lived across the country, the serial killer wasn’t arrested until 1975, leading some — including Curran’s sister Mary — to believe Bundy might somehow be connected. Sean Neumann, People.com, 23 Mar. 2025
Adverb
In contrast, Tai — who eventually becomes a powerful lawyer as an adult — often relies on buttering up her witnesses and using courtroom theatrics to get her point across. Erin Qualey, Vulture, 28 Feb. 2025 City have locked on across most of the pitch, but Bernardo is not tight enough to the full-back and Nico Gonzalez has moved across to Rodrygo (who Josko Gvardiol is marking). Liam Tharme, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
Good information sharing can help retailers figure out what website domains or IP addresses to block, since threat actors are often reusing these across attacks, Clark added. Sam Sabin, Axios, 26 Nov. 2024 From former Housewives including Dorinda Medley and Sonja Morgan, to Shanna Moakler and Jordyn Woods, stars from across industries have dabbled on the adult-only site. Julia Moore, Peoplemag, 27 Aug. 2023 See All Example Sentences for across

Word History

Etymology

Preposition

derivative of across entry 2

Adverb

Middle English a-croiz, a-cros "in the shape of a cross, in a crossed position, from one side to another," borrowed from Anglo-French en croiz (from en "in, on"—going back to Latin in— + croiz "cross," going back to Latin cruc-, crux) with assimilation of Anglo-French croiz to cros cross entry 1 and en to a- a- entry 1 — more at in entry 1

Adjective

derivative of across entry 2

First Known Use

Preposition

1538, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adverb

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

circa 1576, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of across was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Across.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/across. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

1
: from one side to the other
boards sawed directly across
2
: to or on the opposite side
got across in a boat
3
: so as to be understandable or successful
get the message across

across

2 of 2 preposition
1
: to or on the opposite side of
across the street
2
: so as to cross or pass at an angle
lay one stick across another

More from Merriam-Webster on across

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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