crossroads
crossroads Lexical Profile
crossroads Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A critical point or stage at which a decisive choice must be made with far-reaching consequences.
"After graduating from university, she found herself at a career crossroads."
An intersection where two or more roads meet and cross each other.
"Turn left at the next crossroads and continue along the country lane for two miles."
A central meeting place where diverse cultures, ideas, or trade routes converge.
"For centuries, the ancient port city served as a vibrant crossroads between East and West."
Word Nuance & Usage
Although plural in form, 'crossroads' is almost always treated as a singular countable noun taking the indefinite article 'a' and a singular verb (e.g., 'the company is at a crossroads').
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in the early 18th century as the plural of the compound 'crossroad' (combining 'cross' and 'road'), originally referring to the two intersecting roads at a junction before becoming treated as a singular noun for the intersection itself.