Definition

1. Noun:
   • A cross bun is a small, sweet, spiced bread roll, typically containing raisins, currants, or candied citrus peel. It is traditionally marked with a cross on top, either cut into the dough or made with a paste, and is often associated with Good Friday and the Easter period.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • We always have hot cross buns for breakfast on Good Friday.
  • The bakery sells cross buns with a sticky sugar glaze.
  • She added extra cinnamon to her homemade cross buns.

Advanced Usage

• "Hot cross bun": This is the most common full term, emphasizing that the bun is often served warm or freshly baked, especially during Easter.
  • The smell of hot cross buns filled the kitchen.

Variants and Related Words

• Hot cross bun (n): The full, traditional name for this spiced sweet bun.
• Spiced bun (n): A more general term for a sweet bun containing spices, which may or may not have a cross.

Synonyms

• Spiced roll: A roll flavored with similar spices.
• Fruited bun: A bun containing dried fruit.

Cultural Note

• The cross bun is a traditional food eaten during Lent and particularly on Good Friday in many Christian countries. The cross on top symbolizes the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The phrase "Hot cross buns!" is also a well-known street cry and the subject of a popular nursery rhyme.

Noun

1. moderately sweet raised roll containing spices and raisins and citron and decorated with a cross-shaped sugar glaze