cross-legged

adverb or adjective

ˈkrȯs-ˌle-gəd How to pronounce cross-legged (audio)
-ˌlā-;
-ˌlegd,
-ˌlāgd
1
: with legs crossed and knees spread wide apart
2
: with one leg placed over and across the other

Examples of cross-legged in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Sitting cross-legged on the floor while her scalp was parted and pulled by a cousin, an auntie, someone who loved her. Ruhama Wolle, Vogue, 22 May 2025 Guests described amusing scenes as Fortune 500 executives sat cross-legged on the floor because of a shortage of seats. Natasha Turak, CNBC, 14 May 2025 About 20 university students and recent graduates sit cross-legged on rattan mats spread out over a long, low table. Lindsey McGinnis, Christian Science Monitor, 1 May 2025 The image showed dozens of prisoners in white T-shirts and shorts sitting cross-legged, their hands cuffed and heads down. Zolan Kanno-Youngs, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cross-legged

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cross-legged was circa 1530

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cross-legged.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cross-legged. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

cross-legged

adverb
ˈkrȯ-ˈsleg(-ə)d
: with the legs crossed and the knees spread wide
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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