crosshair

noun

cross·​hair ˈkrȯs-ˌher How to pronounce crosshair (audio)
: a fine wire or thread in the focus of the eyepiece of an optical instrument used as a reference line in the field or for marking the instrumental axis
used figuratively to describe someone or something being targeted as if through an aiming device having crosshairs
… in the crosshairs this political seasonJ. H. Alter

Examples of crosshair 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.
The presiding judge in the case is James Boasberg, who is now in Trump’s crosshairs over the judge’s recent ruling on a separate case related to deportations. Ashley Oliver, The Washington Examiner, 5 Apr. 2025 But while each firm in Mr. Trump’s crosshairs faces similar risks, their responses have differed. Henry Gass, Christian Science Monitor, 3 Apr. 2025 Now, everything from apparel to wine is in Trump’s crosshairs. Low-and-middle-income Americans will face the brunt of the tariffs, research shows. Solcyré Burga, Time, 1 Apr. 2025 With Richie in Kiko's crosshairs and the clock ticking, Conrad asks his wife, Maeve (Helen Mirren), to make the decision. Matt Cabral, EW.com, 30 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for crosshair

Word History

First Known Use

1684, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of crosshair was in 1684

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Crosshair.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crosshair. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

cross hair

noun
: one of the very thin wires or threads in the eyepiece of an optical instrument (as a microscope) used as a reference line
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!