cross-eye: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

No. 'Cross-eye' (strabismus/esotropia) is a misalignment of the eyes. 'Lazy eye' (amblyopia) is a condition where vision in one eye is reduced because the brain and eye are not working together properly, which can be caused by strabismus but is distinct.

It can be considered insensitive or derogatory when referring to a person's medical condition, as it is an informal, non-clinical term. Using more precise medical terminology like 'strabismus' is preferred in serious contexts. The playful sense ('making a cross-eyed face') is generally inoffensive.

The adjective form is 'cross-eyed'. It is used to describe someone who has the condition or is temporarily looking that way (e.g., 'a cross-eyed cat', 'He looked cross-eyed at the puzzle').

No, 'cross-eye' is not used as a verb. To describe the action, you would say 'to go cross-eyed' or 'to look cross-eyed'.

A medical condition where the eyes are not properly aligned and point inward toward each other (strabismus, specifically esotropia).

Cross-eye is usually informal; sometimes medical when used in the core sense. in register.

Cross-eye: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkrɒs ˌaɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkrɔːs ˌaɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.