Etymology Explorer › Middle English

Where does “cross” come from?

cross (Middle English) comes from Old English cros, from Old Norse kross, from Old Irish cros, from Latin crux, from Proto-Italic *kruks, from Proto-Indo-European sḱer- — to caw, crow.

cross (Middle English): the Holy Cross; Christ's cross; A representation...

Definitions

  1. the Holy Cross; Christ's cross; A representation...

Ancestry of “cross”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1Old Englishcrosrood, cross
2Old Norsekrosscross
3Old Irishcros—
4Latincruxwooden frame on which criminals were crucified,...
5Proto-Italic*kruks—
6Proto-Indo-Europeansḱer-to caw, crow

Words derived from “cross”

  • cross
  • crossword
  • crossly
  • crossroad
  • recross
  • crosswalk
  • crosshead
  • crossbones
  • crosser
  • outcrossing
  • crosshair
  • crossbeam
  • crossness
  • intercross
  • uncross
  • crossbill
  • crossway
  • crossbite
  • uncrossable
  • crosspoint
  • outcross
  • doublecross
  • crossable
  • crosseth
Every word from Proto-Indo-European sḱer- →