Definition

Noun 1. A long, thin, horizontal structural piece, typically made of wood or metal, fixed between two vertical posts. 2. A horizontal bar that is part of the frame of a goal in sports such as soccer or hockey, or a bar to be jumped over in sports like the high jump or pole vault. 3. Any horizontal bar that spans or goes across something.

Usage

• The crossbar of the old wooden gate was rotting and needed to be replaced.
• The striker's powerful shot hit the crossbar and bounced back into play.
• The athlete cleared the crossbar on her final attempt to win the gold medal.
• A sturdy crossbar was installed across the doorway for additional pull-up exercises.

Advanced Usage

• "To rattle the crossbar": In soccer, to kick the ball with such force that it strikes the crossbar, often causing it to vibrate audibly.
  • His free kick rattled the crossbar in the final minute of the game.
• Used metaphorically to describe a high standard or barrier that must be overcome.
  • Setting the performance crossbar too high can demotivate the team.

Variants and Related Words

• Crossbeam (n): A synonym, often used in construction or engineering for a horizontal supporting beam.
• Crosspiece (n): A more general term for any piece of material placed across another.

Synonyms

• Bar
• Beam
• Rail
• Spar

Related Phrases

• Goalpost and crossbar: The complete frame of a goal.
  • The ball sailed between the goalpost and under the crossbar.

Noun

1. long thin horizontal crosspiece between two vertical posts
2. game equipment consisting of a horizontal bar to be jumped or vaulted over
3. a horizontal bar that goes across something