crosshatch: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Specialised; artistic/technical/niche literary
Quick answer
What does “crosshatch” mean?
To mark or shade (a surface) with two or more intersecting series of parallel lines.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To mark or shade (a surface) with two or more intersecting series of parallel lines.
1. A pattern or texture made by such intersecting lines. 2. (Figurative) To create a complex interwoven or overlapping structure, pattern, or relationship.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
None in core meaning or spelling. More frequent in American reference to engraving and specific printing/halftone techniques.
Connotations
Equally technical in both varieties. UK may have a slightly stronger association with traditional engraving/etching arts.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but marginally more common in US technical manuals and image-editing software jargon (e.g., 'crosshatch filter').
Grammar
How to Use “crosshatch” in a Sentence
[Verb] crosshatch + [NP] (the shadow, the area)[Verb] crosshatch + [NP] + with + [NP] (the sky with fine lines)[Noun] a crosshatch + of + [NP] (a crosshatch of lines)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “crosshatch” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She used a fine pen to crosshatch the shadows beneath the tree.
- The artist will crosshatch the background to suggest texture.
American English
- Crosshatch the area lightly with a pencil to create depth.
- He crosshatched the metal plate before etching it.
adverb
British English
- The shading was applied crosshatch, not in smooth gradients. (Rare/technical)
American English
- She drew the lines crosshatch, creating a dense shadow. (Rare/technical)
adjective
British English
- The crosshatch pattern on the map indicates built-up areas.
- He admired the engraver's crosshatch technique.
American English
- Select the crosshatch filter in the graphics program.
- The document had a light crosshatch background to prevent forgery.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might describe overlapping areas of responsibility on an organisational chart.
Academic
Used in art history, technical drawing, printmaking studies, and literary analysis (e.g., 'a crosshatch of narrative threads').
Everyday
Very rare. Mostly limited to discussions of drawing or sketching techniques.
Technical
Standard term in illustration, engraving, technical drafting, cartography, and digital image processing.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “crosshatch”
- Using it as a synonym for any simple line or scratch. Confusing it with 'cross-stitch' (an embroidery technique).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is one word, both as a noun and a verb. The hyphenated form 'cross-hatch' is an accepted but less common variant.
Hatching uses parallel lines to create shade. Crosshatching specifically uses two or more sets of parallel lines that intersect, creating a denser, often darker, tone.
Yes, but it's metaphorical. It can describe any complex, overlapping system, such as 'a crosshatch of alliances' or 'a crosshatch of streets in the old town.'
Yes, it is a regular verb: crosshatch, crosshatched, crosshatching.
To mark or shade (a surface) with two or more intersecting series of parallel lines.
Crosshatch is usually specialised; artistic/technical/niche literary in register.
Crosshatch: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkrɒs.hætʃ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkrɔːs.hætʃ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a crosshatch of (e.g., streets, relationships)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CROSS formed by lines that HATCH (emerge) from both directions, creating a shaded area.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMPLEXITY IS INTERWOVEN LINES; DETAIL IS DENSITY OF MARKS.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'crosshatch' LEAST likely to be used?