cross talk: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Technical / Semi-formal
Quick answer
What does “cross talk” mean?
Interference or unwanted transmission of signals between communication channels or circuits, causing one channel to affect another.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Interference or unwanted transmission of signals between communication channels or circuits, causing one channel to affect another.
1. Confusing or overlapping conversation where multiple people speak simultaneously, making communication difficult. 2. Any instance of unintended interaction or interference between separate systems or processes, especially in electronics, telecommunications, or meetings.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major lexical differences; both variants use the term identically in technical contexts. The one-word form 'crosstalk' is slightly more common in American technical writing.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties: technical interference or conversational overlap.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to larger tech/telecom industry discourse, but difference is minimal.
Grammar
How to Use “cross talk” in a Sentence
[crosstalk] between [NPlural][crosstalk] in [NP][reduce/minimise/eliminate] [crosstalk]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cross talk” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The signals are crosstalking, causing distortion.
- These old telephone lines tend to crosstalk in wet weather.
American English
- The audio channels crosstalk if the cables aren't shielded properly.
- Make sure those circuits don't crosstalk.
adverb
British English
- The signals interfered crosstalk-wise.
adjective
British English
- The crosstalk reduction circuit is essential.
- We measured the crosstalk levels.
American English
- The crosstalk performance is within specs.
- A crosstalk problem emerged during testing.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used metaphorically in meetings: 'We need to reduce crosstalk between departments to avoid confusion.'
Academic
Common in engineering, telecommunications, and signal processing papers discussing circuit design or data integrity.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation; might be used humorously to describe people talking over each other: 'There was so much crosstalk, I couldn't hear the speaker.'
Technical
Precise term in electronics/telecom for unwanted electromagnetic or capacitive coupling between adjacent wires/channels.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cross talk”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cross talk”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cross talk”
- Using 'crosstalk' to mean casual chat (incorrect). Confusing with 'crossfire' (which is conflict). Misspelling as 'crosstalk' vs. 'cross talk' (both accepted, but technical prefers solid form).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both forms are accepted. 'Crosstalk' (one word) is more common in technical writing, especially American English. 'Cross talk' (two words) is also correct, particularly in more general or metaphorical uses.
Yes, though less common. It means for signals or circuits to interfere with each other (e.g., 'The adjacent channels crosstalked'). It is rarely used for people talking over each other.
Crosstalk is interference between separate channels or lines. Feedback is when an output signal loops back into the input of the same system, often causing a high-pitched squeal in audio systems. They are different types of interference.
Almost always negative, as it denotes unwanted interference or confusing overlap. In very rare, specialised technical contexts, controlled crosstalk might be used deliberately, but this is exceptional.
Interference or unwanted transmission of signals between communication channels or circuits, causing one channel to affect another.
Cross talk is usually technical / semi-formal in register.
Cross talk: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkrɒs tɔːk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkrɔːs tɑːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[no direct idioms; term itself is technical]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of two people trying to cross paths while talking—their words 'cross' and create interference.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNICATION IS A CLEAN CHANNEL / INTERFERENCE IS PHYSICAL CROSSING.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'crosstalk' most precisely used?