cross-shaped vs criss-cross

Both "cross-shaped" and "criss-cross" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Cross-shaped" is used to describe something that has the shape of a cross, while "criss-cross" is used to describe something that is arranged in a crossing pattern.

Last updated: March 23, 2024 • 922 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe something that has the shape of a cross.

"cross-shaped"

Use "cross-shaped" to describe something that has the shape of a cross, like a cross-shaped building or a cross-shaped pattern.

Examples:

The cross-shaped building stood out among the other structures in the city.
She wore a necklace with a cross-shaped pendant.
The cross-shaped pattern on the floor was made of different colored tiles.
The cross-shaped window allowed light to filter into the room.
The cake was decorated with a cross-shaped design.

Show examples from the web [+]

Because of Mr. Bray's notes, we can add the cross-shaped puncture wound to the trauma on the mandible.
The man with the cross-shaped scar.
The inner circle of the coin depicts a cross-shaped idol dating back to the chalcolithic period (3000 B.C.), from the village of Pomos which is a characteristic example of Cypriot prehistoric art.
He has an average physique, red hair, and a cross-shaped scar on his cheek.

Alternatives:

in the shape of a cross
shaped like a cross
having a cross shape
formed like a cross
resembling a cross

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe something that is arranged in a crossing pattern.

"criss-cross"

Use "criss-cross" to describe something that is arranged in a crossing pattern, like criss-crossing lines or a criss-crossing network of roads.

Examples:

The criss-cross pattern on the fabric was intricate and beautiful.
She tied the laces in a criss-cross fashion.
The criss-crossing branches of the trees created a canopy overhead.
The criss-crossing paths in the park led to different areas.
The criss-cross design on the cake was made with icing.

Show examples from the web [+]

We work criss-cross the most part, we.
I heard from one of the girls at the station that they were kind of criss-cross.
And he sees what he thinks are criss-cross lines on the surface of Mars.
Her images criss-cross my mind, awash in colours
This strategic project, which is essential in order to ensure EU self-sufficiency in the sensitive satellite navigation sector, may well - once again - be prevented from getting off the ground by a string of delays and criss-cross vetoes.
The part of the Loess Plateau north of the Weihe River in Shaanxi is an area where ravines and gullies criss-cross, with a thick layer of fertile soil spreading across the vast hilltops and dry tablelands.
I warn you... never let your path criss-cross mine again, or the heart...
Why should we send the confiscated samples criss-cross through Europe if we can exchange analysis protocols?
Criss cross, Strangers on a train.
Mark or sign cited in opposition: the German word mark criss cross No 30229875 for goods in Classes 14, 18, 25 and 28

Alternatives:

crossing each other
intersecting in a pattern
forming a crossing pattern
arranged in a criss-cross manner
in a criss-cross pattern

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cross-shaped vs criss-cross

"cross-shaped"

"criss-cross"

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