Is Charing Cross a station, an area, or both?

It is both a major railway and Underground station, and the name of the surrounding area in central London.

Why is it called 'Charing Cross'?

The name derives from the village of Charing (from Old English 'cierring', meaning a bend) where King Edward I erected the last of twelve Eleanor Crosses (memorial crosses) in 1291–94.

Do trains actually terminate at Charing Cross?

Yes, Charing Cross is a terminal railway station for Southeastern services, as well as a busy London Underground station on the Bakerloo and Northern lines.

How do I use 'Charing Cross' when giving directions?

Use it as a landmark. E.g., 'It's a short walk from Charing Cross Station,' or 'Head towards Charing Cross and then turn left.'

How do you pronounce “charing cross”?

Charing cross: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtʃɛərɪŋ ˈkrɒs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtʃɛrɪŋ ˈkrɔs/ (approximation, as used by American speakers). Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

charing cross: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Medium

UK/ˌtʃɛərɪŋ ˈkrɒs/US/ˌtʃɛrɪŋ ˈkrɔs/ (approximation, as used by American speakers)

Neutral to formal in geographical reference; informal in metonymic use.

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “charing cross” mean?

A major transport hub and landmark area in central London, historically the site of a medieval cross and now a railway terminus and Underground station.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A major transport hub and landmark area in central London, historically the site of a medieval cross and now a railway terminus and Underground station.

Used metonymically to refer to central London as a point of reference or as a symbol of the city's transport and commercial centre. Also used as a postcode district (WC2N).

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

The term is almost exclusively used in a British/UK context. American English speakers would typically only encounter it in references to London geography or travel.

Connotations

For British users, it carries connotations of central London, transport, history, and as a meeting point. For non-UK speakers, it is primarily a geographical identifier.

Frequency

Very high frequency in UK English within London/UK contexts; very low frequency in American English.

Grammar

How to Use “charing cross” in a Sentence

[Location] + is/are + [preposition] + Charing CrossTravel/Go to Charing CrossMeet at Charing Cross

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

Charing Cross StationCharing Cross RoadCharing Cross Hospitaljust off Charing Cross

medium

meet at Charing Crossnorth of Charing Crossnear Charing Crossthe area around Charing Cross

weak

Charing Cross bridgeCharing Cross hotelCharing Cross postcode

Examples

Examples of “charing cross” in a Sentence

verb

British English

We'll need to Charing Cross it (non-standard, very rare slang meaning 'to go to the central hub').

adverb

British English

We're located just Charing Cross from there (non-standard, colloquial).

adjective

British English

The Charing Cross area is always busy.
It's a classic Charing Cross bookstore.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Used in addresses and for specifying central London meeting locations.

Academic

Used in historical, geographical, or urban studies contexts regarding London.

Everyday

Used for giving directions, arranging meetings, or referring to train/Underground travel.

Technical

Used in transport planning, London geography, and postal addressing systems.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “charing cross”

Strong

the Strand (specific adjacent area)Trafalgar Square (nearby landmark)

Neutral

central Londonthe West End

Weak

the centrethe hub

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “charing cross”

the suburbsGreater Londonthe outskirts

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “charing cross”

Misspelling as 'Charing Cross' (correct) vs. 'Charing Cross' (common typo).
Using 'at' incorrectly (e.g., 'I'm in Charing Cross' vs. the more common 'I'm at Charing Cross (Station)').
Pronouncing 'Charing' with a 'ch' as in 'church' (/tʃ/) instead of the correct /tʃ/ as in 'chair' (which is actually correct).

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: It is both a major railway and Underground station, and the name of the surrounding area in central London.
: The name derives from the village of Charing (from Old English 'cierring', meaning a bend) where King Edward I erected the last of twelve Eleanor Crosses (memorial crosses) in 1291–94.
: Yes, Charing Cross is a terminal railway station for Southeastern services, as well as a busy London Underground station on the Bakerloo and Northern lines.
: Use it as a landmark. E.g., 'It's a short walk from Charing Cross Station,' or 'Head towards Charing Cross and then turn left.'
: A major transport hub and landmark area in central London, historically the site of a medieval cross and now a railway terminus and Underground station.
: Charing cross is usually neutral to formal in geographical reference; informal in metonymic use. in register.
: Charing cross: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtʃɛərɪŋ ˈkrɒs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtʃɛrɪŋ ˈkrɔs/ (approximation, as used by American speakers). Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“To be sent to Charing Cross (archaic/historical, referring to the hospital or workhouse).”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: 'CHARIOT CROSS' – Historically, a cross marked where a chariot (or funeral procession) of Queen Eleanor rested. It's where major roads CROSS in CHARing (a place name) London.

Conceptual Metaphor

CENTRE IS A CROSSROADS / LONDON IS A MAP WITH CHARING CROSS AS ITS HEART.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

For many Londoners, a journey into the city isn't complete until they've passed through .

Multiple Choice

What is 'Charing Cross' primarily known as today?