sign of the cross: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, religious, literary
Quick answer
What does “sign of the cross” mean?
A ritual gesture made by tracing a cross over one's body with the hand, used as a prayer, blessing, or invocation in Christian traditions, particularly within Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, and some Protestant churches.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A ritual gesture made by tracing a cross over one's body with the hand, used as a prayer, blessing, or invocation in Christian traditions, particularly within Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, and some Protestant churches.
Any symbolic gesture, action, or object representing protection, sanctification, or faith; can metaphorically refer to a symbolic act of warding off evil, invoking divine help, or marking a transition into a sacred or significant moment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical across both variants, tied to Christian practice rather than regional dialect. The phrase might appear slightly more frequently in UK contexts relating to the established Anglican Church, whereas in the US it is strongly associated with Catholic practice.
Connotations
In both regions, it carries connotations of traditional faith, ritual, and reverence. In more secular contexts, it can be used with mild irony or as a cultural reference.
Frequency
Low frequency in general discourse, high frequency within religious communities and related literature.
Grammar
How to Use “sign of the cross” in a Sentence
[Subject] + make/offer/trace + the sign of the crosswith + the sign of the crossbefore/after + the sign of the crossVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sign of the cross” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She signed herself quickly before the exam.
American English
- He crossed himself as the ambulance sped by.
adverb
British English
- He prayed crossingly, touching his forehead and shoulders.
American English
- She moved her hand cross-wise over her chest.
adjective
British English
- The signing gesture was a familiar sight in the chapel.
American English
- The crossing motion was part of his pre-game ritual.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in theological, historical, or sociological studies of ritual and religious practice.
Everyday
Used when describing personal or observed religious practice, or figuratively for any protective action. 'He made the sign of the cross before stepping onto the pitch.'
Technical
Used in liturgical studies to describe the specific form (large cross, small cross), direction (forehead, heart, shoulders), and accompanying formula (e.g., 'In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sign of the cross”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sign of the cross”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sign of the cross”
- Incorrect article: 'sign of cross' (missing 'the').
- Incorrect preposition: 'sign on the cross' (refers to a placard on the crucifix).
- Capitalisation: Not capitalised unless starting a sentence.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is most common in Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, and some Lutheran and Methodist traditions. Many Protestant denominations do not use the ritual.
Practices vary. In Western Christianity, it is typically made by touching the forehead, chest, left shoulder, then right shoulder while invoking the Trinity. In Eastern Christianity, it is made from right to left.
Yes, e.g., 'Planting that tree was his sign of the cross for the environment,' meaning a symbolic act of commitment or protection.
Yes, the 1932 film uses the term in its title to evoke martyrdom, faith, and protection in the context of ancient Rome.
A ritual gesture made by tracing a cross over one's body with the hand, used as a prayer, blessing, or invocation in Christian traditions, particularly within Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, and some Protestant churches.
Sign of the cross is usually formal, religious, literary in register.
Sign of the cross: in British English it is pronounced /saɪn əv ðə krɒs/, and in American English it is pronounced /saɪn əv ðə krɔːs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Cross my heart (and hope to die)”
- “Dot the i's and cross the t's (related only by the word 'cross')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a PLUS sign (+) which is a CROSS. You SIGN your name on it. Sign + Cross = Sign of the Cross.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROTECTION IS A SHIELD (the cross acts as a spiritual shield); DEVOTION IS A PHYSICAL PATH (the hand traces a path of faith over the body); SANCTIFICATION IS A MARK (the body is marked as holy).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the phrase 'sign of the cross' LEAST likely to be used?