Across/əˈkrɔːs/ Definition 1 of 5Pro Tip 1/3Physical Movement Use 'across' to describe someone or something physically moving from one side to another. The cat ran across the road. Pro Tip 2/3Surface Crossing 'Across' implies a clear path or surface that is being traversed, like a floor or a field. The children chased each other across the playground. Pro Tip 3/3Visual Scope Use 'across' to explain visual boundaries, line of sight, or an area seen at once. He glanced across the room and saw her smiling.