crosse: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2+ (Rare; Domain-Specific)Technical, Sport, North American
Quick answer
What does “crosse” mean?
The long-handled stick with a triangular netted head used in the game of lacrosse to catch, carry, and throw the ball.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The long-handled stick with a triangular netted head used in the game of lacrosse to catch, carry, and throw the ball.
A hockey-like sport played with such a stick; the position or act of playing with a crosse. Occasionally used metaphorically for a system of capture or control, e.g., in discussions of algorithms ('the algorithm's crosse to catch user data').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, the word is recognized only within the specific, niche context of lacrosse, a sport less widespread than in North America. In American English, it is the standard term for the equipment used in the popular sport of lacrosse, especially in regions where the sport is established (Northeast, Mid-Atlantic).
Connotations
In the US, it connotes athleticism, collegiate/prep school sports culture, and specific regional identity. In the UK, it carries connotations of a specialist, imported sport.
Frequency
Far more frequent in American English due to the higher prevalence of lacrosse.
Grammar
How to Use “crosse” in a Sentence
[verb] + the crosse (carry, wield, drop)[adjective] + crosse (new, broken, regulation, attack)crosse + [verb] (the crosse broke, the crosse flies)with + a crosse (score with a crosse, defend with a crosse)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Rare. Might appear in sports history or kinesiology papers discussing equipment design.
Everyday
Used only by those familiar with or playing lacrosse. General everyday usage is virtually zero.
Technical
The primary context: lacrosse coaching, rulebooks, equipment manufacturing, and sports commentary.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “crosse”
- Misspelling as 'cross'.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'He crosse the ball'). The verb is 'to cradle' or 'to pass'.
- Assuming it refers to any sports stick.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While both are long-handled sports implements, a crosse has a netted head designed to catch, carry, and throw a ball. A hockey stick has a flat blade for hitting a puck or ball.
No. 'Crosse' is exclusively a noun. Actions related to it use verbs like 'cradle', 'pass', 'shoot', or 'check'.
In American English, it rhymes with 'boss' or 'sauce' (/krɔːs/). In British English, it rhymes with 'loss' (/krɒs/).
The term originates from French. 'La crosse' in French refers to a bishop's crook or a hooked stick. Early French observers in North America saw the Indigenous game and named the stick after its curved shape, which led to the sport being called 'lacrosse'.
The long-handled stick with a triangular netted head used in the game of lacrosse to catch, carry, and throw the ball.
Crosse is usually technical, sport, north american in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “crosse to bear (rare, a punning variation on 'cross to bear', meaning a specific burden or challenge unique to a lacrosse player or team)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'To CROSS the field in LACROSSE, you need a CROSSE.' The word is embedded in the name of the sport.
Conceptual Metaphor
NET AS HAND (The netted head of the crosse is a tool that extends the hand's ability to catch, hold, and throw.)
Practice
Quiz
In which sport would you use a 'crosse'?