crossroad

Everyday

1. A crossroad is a place where two roads meet and cross each other. It is usually called a crossroads. tree →
2. «At a crossroads» also means at a time when you must make an important choice. tree →

In the lessons

In maths: a place on a route; distances to and from it are added for the whole way, or compared. Safety: look both ways and use the crossing at a crossroads; wait for the green signal. In stories: a traveller at a crossroads must choose which way to go. Phrases: at the crossroads, turn at the crossroads, a busy crossroads.

Examples

• The shop is 2 km from the crossroads. tree →
• Turn left at the crossroad and walk 300 metres. tree →
• There are 4 crossroads in the town. tree →
• How far is it from home to the crossroads and on to school? tree →
• There are traffic lights at the crossroads. tree →
• Stop and look both ways at the crossroads. tree →
• The old signpost at the crossroads points to three villages. tree →
• The hero stood at a crossroads and had to choose a path. tree →

Note

Usual form: «a crossroads» (singular, with s), plural also «crossroads»; «crossroad» is rare. In the USA «intersection» is more common. A point on a route; distances on both sides are added for the whole way. Carries no clue by itself.