crossway: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2/Low-FrequencyLiterary, Formal, or Old-fashioned
Quick answer
What does “crossway” mean?
A place where roads or paths cross.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A place where roads or paths cross; a crossroads.
Can figuratively refer to a point of intersection or a critical junction in a situation or decision-making process.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both dialects understand the term, but it is rare in everyday speech. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British historical, rural, or literary contexts. The more common term for everyday use in both is 'crossroads' or 'intersection' (US).
Connotations
Both: literary, old-fashioned, possibly rural. No significant difference in connotation.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both, with 'crossroads' being overwhelmingly more common.
Grammar
How to Use “crossway” in a Sentence
[be/lie/stand] + at + the + crossway[build/mark] + a + crosswayVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphorically, to describe a critical point of decision in strategy. (e.g., 'The company stands at a financial crossway.')
Academic
Used in literary analysis or historical geography. Rare in scientific writing.
Everyday
Very rare; 'crossroads' is the default term.
Technical
Not used in engineering or road planning; terms like 'intersection', 'junction', or 'grade crossing' are standard.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “crossway”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “crossway”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “crossway”
- Using 'crossway' in casual conversation where 'crossroads' is expected.
- Confusing it with 'crosswalk' (a marked pedestrian crossing).
- Using 'crossway' as a verb (it is only a noun).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A 'crossway' is a place where roads/paths cross (a junction). A 'crosswalk' is a marked path for pedestrians to cross a road safely.
It is understandable but sounds old-fashioned or literary. Native speakers almost always use 'crossroads' or 'intersection' in daily speech.
Yes, but it is equally rare as in British English. 'Intersection' is the most common neutral term in American usage for a road junction.
The standard plural is 'crossways'. It can refer to multiple individual junctions or a network of intersecting paths.
A place where roads or paths cross.
Crossway is usually literary, formal, or old-fashioned in register.
Crossway: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkrɒsˌweɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkrɔːsˌweɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “At a crossway (in life/one's career)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'crossway' as the WAY where two roads CROSS. It's an older, more poetic 'crossroads'.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A JOURNEY; A DECISION POINT IS A CROSSROADS/CROSSWAY.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'crossway' LEAST likely to be used?