cross hair: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical, Figurative
Quick answer
What does “cross hair” mean?
A pair of fine lines or wires in the eyepiece of an optical instrument (like a telescope, microscope, or gun sight) that intersect at the center, used for precise aiming or measurement.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A pair of fine lines or wires in the eyepiece of an optical instrument (like a telescope, microscope, or gun sight) that intersect at the center, used for precise aiming or measurement.
A metaphorical term for being the precise focus or target of attention, scrutiny, or criticism.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both varieties use the term identically in technical and figurative contexts.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both varieties: precision, targeting, focus, and potentially threat/vulnerability in figurative use.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American media, particularly in political and journalistic figurative usage ('in the crosshairs'), but the difference is marginal.
Grammar
How to Use “cross hair” in a Sentence
[Subject] has X in [its/their] crosshairs.[Subject] is in the crosshairs of [Agent].Place/Align the crosshairs on [Target].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cross hair” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable as a standard verb.
American English
- Not applicable as a standard verb.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as a standard adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as a standard adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not applicable as a standard adjective.
American English
- Not applicable as a standard adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Figurative: 'The new startup is in the crosshairs of the industry giant.'
Academic
Technical (physics, engineering, biology): 'The sample was positioned using the microscope's cross hairs.'
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. Occasionally used figuratively: 'After his mistake, he was in the boss's crosshairs.'
Technical
Literal (optics, shooting, surveying): 'Adjust the scope until the crosshairs are centred on the target.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cross hair”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cross hair”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cross hair”
- Using 'crosshair' as a verb (e.g., 'He crosshaired the target' – incorrect).
- Misspelling as one word ('crosshair') when the traditional form is two words, though the one-word form is increasingly accepted.
- Confusing with 'crossfire'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
All three forms are found. 'Cross hair' (two words) is the traditional form, 'crosshair' (one word) is increasingly common, especially in figurative use, and 'cross-hair' (hyphenated) is less frequent. Dictionaries vary.
No, it is not a standard verb. You cannot say 'to crosshair' something. Use verbs like 'target', 'aim at', or 'focus on' instead.
They are often synonyms. 'Reticle' is the more formal, technical term for the pattern of lines in an optical device. 'Crosshairs' specifically refers to a simple cross-shaped reticle but is often used loosely for any reticle.
Not exclusively, but it often implies being targeted for criticism, investigation, or attack. It can be neutral, simply meaning 'the focus of attention', but the weapon-origin metaphor lends a sense of threat or pressure.
A pair of fine lines or wires in the eyepiece of an optical instrument (like a telescope, microscope, or gun sight) that intersect at the center, used for precise aiming or measurement.
Cross hair is usually technical, figurative in register.
Cross hair: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkrɒs heə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkrɔːs her/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “in the crosshairs”
- “have someone/something in your crosshairs”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CROSS made of HAIR-thin lines. You look through it to aim very precisely.
Conceptual Metaphor
ATTENTION/SCRUTINY IS AIMING A WEAPON (e.g., 'The investigation had the CEO in its crosshairs.')
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'cross hairs' used LITERALLY?