Crossing vs. Xing — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 8, 2024
"Crossing" is a noun for a place where paths intersect or the act of traversing, while "Xing" is an abbreviation often seen on traffic signs, meaning the same.
Difference Between Crossing and Xing
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Crossing" denotes a location where paths meet or a route that one takes to pass over an obstacle, like a road or river. "Xing," on the other hand, is a shorthand form found mainly on traffic signs to signify "crossing," commonly with a prefix like "Ped" (pedestrian) or "RR" (railroad).
"Crossing" is broadly used in formal and informal contexts to describe any place where there is interaction or intersection between various paths. "Xing," on the other hand, is more prevalent in transportation signage, which simplifies the word for brevity and space.
"Crossing" may be used to refer to physical paths (e.g., zebra crossing, pedestrian crossing) or metaphorical crossings (e.g., crossing boundaries). "Xing" specifically addresses road and pathway intersections for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles.
"Crossing" is universally understood, whereas "Xing" may sometimes confuse those not familiar with the abbreviation, especially outside English-speaking regions.
While "Crossing" clearly conveys the concept of traversing an intersection, "Xing" caters to rapid communication in traffic contexts, providing drivers with immediate understanding.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Noun
Noun
Meaning
Act or location of passing
Abbreviation for "crossing"
Usage
Common in both written and spoken
Common in traffic signage
Prefix Examples
Pedestrian Crossing, Railroad Crossing
Ped Xing, RR Xing
Audience Familiarity
Universally recognized
Potentially confusing to non-English speakers
Compare with Definitions
Crossing
A place where roads or paths intersect.
The children should only cross at the designated crossing.
An abbreviation indicating a pedestrian crossing.
Watch out for pedestrians at the Ped Xing.
Crossing
A journey over water.
They were nervous about the long Atlantic crossing.
A traffic sign indicating a railroad crossing.
Train approaching the RR Xing, proceed with caution.
Crossing
The point where a river is shallow enough to wade across.
Early settlers relied on river crossings to move west.
A crossing point for animals like deer.
Drive carefully near the Deer Xing sign.
Crossing
A railway intersection.
The train will pass through the level crossing soon.
A simplified term for an intersection where vehicles cross.
Slow down for cars at the Car Xing.
Crossing
An action of traversing from one side to another.
The boat completed the river crossing smoothly.
A shorthand for a bicycle crossing.
Look both ways at the Bike Xing.
Crossing
The act or action of crossing.
(US) crossing
Railroad xing 200 feet ahead.
Crossing
A place at which roads, lines, or tracks intersect; an intersection.
Crossing
A place at which a river, railroad, or highway, for example, may be crossed
A railroad crossing.
A pedestrian crossing.
Crossing
The intersection of the nave and transept in a cruciform church.
Crossing
(Biology) The process of crossbreeding; hybridization.
Crossing
An intersection where roads, lines, or tracks cross.
Crossing
A place at which a river, railroad, or highway may be crossed.
Crossing
The act by which terrain or a road etc. is crossed.
Crossing
A voyage across a body of water.
Crossing
(architecture) The volume formed by the intersection of chancel, nave and transepts in a cruciform church; often with a tower or cupola over it.
Crossing
Movement into a crossed position.
Crossing
(graph theory) A pair of intersecting edges.
Crossing
A pair of parallel lines printed on a cheque
Crossing
(rare) Extending or lying across; in a crosswise direction.
Crossing
Present participle of cross
Crossing
The act by which anything is crossed; as, the crossing of the ocean.
Crossing
The act of making the sign of the cross.
Crossing
The act of interbreeding; a mixing of breeds.
Crossing
Intersection, as of two paths or roads.
Crossing
A place where anything (as a stream) is crossed; a paved walk across a street, or a set of marks across the street pavement indicating that this is a designated location for pedestrians to cross.
Crossing
Contradiction; thwarting; obstruction.
I do not bear these crossings.
Crossing
Traveling across
Crossing
A shallow area in a stream that can be forded
Crossing
A point where two lines (paths or arcs etc.) intersect
Crossing
A junction where one street or road crosses another
Crossing
A path (often marked) where something (as a street or railroad) can be crossed to get from one side to the other
Crossing
(genetics) the act of mixing different species or varieties of animals or plants and thus to produce hybrids
Crossing
A voyage across a body of water (usually across the Atlantic Ocean)
Common Curiosities
Is "Crossing" used in informal contexts?
Yes, "Crossing" is commonly used in everyday speech and writing.
What do prefixes like "Ped" or "RR" signify with "Xing"?
They specify the type of crossing, such as "Ped" for pedestrian or "RR" for railroad.
Why is "Xing" used instead of "Crossing"?
"Xing" is a shorter form that saves space and makes traffic signs easier to read at a glance.
Can "Crossing" refer to something other than road intersections?
Yes, it can refer to crossing over bodies of water or borders and also figuratively to the act of traversing challenges.
Where is "Xing" most commonly used?
"Xing" is most frequently seen on road signs indicating crossings.
Are "Crossing" and "Xing" interchangeable?
While they convey similar meanings, "Xing" is specifically used for brevity in signage.
What does "Crossing" mean?
It generally refers to a place where paths intersect or where something crosses over an obstacle.
Are there any situations where "Xing" should not be used?
"Xing" is not ideal in formal documents or contexts where clarity is crucial because it can be confusing.
Is "Crossing" an appropriate term for maritime travel?
Yes, it is often used for trips across seas or oceans, like an "Atlantic crossing."
Is "Xing" only used in English-speaking countries?
Primarily, yes. The abbreviation is more common in English-speaking regions where traffic signs utilize shorthand.
Are "Xing" signs used for non-road crossings?
They are mostly used for roads but can sometimes indicate crossings in recreational areas like bike paths.
What should drivers be aware of when they see a "Xing" sign?
They should slow down and be alert for the type of crossing indicated, whether pedestrians, bicycles, or trains.
Is the abbreviation "Xing" universally understood?
It is generally recognized, but people unfamiliar with English traffic signs might not immediately grasp its meaning.
Can "Xing" indicate an animal crossing?
Yes, traffic signs often use "Xing" to indicate animal crossings like "Deer Xing."
Are both "Crossing" and "Xing" considered nouns?
Yes, both terms are used as nouns when referring to a place or an act of passing over an intersection.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
