cross-country
UK: /ˌkrɒsˈkʌntri/ | US: /ˌkrɔːsˈkʌntri/
adj. involving movement or travel across open countryside or rough terrain
adj. extending or performed across a nation or continent
n. a sport or race involving travel over varied terrain (e.g., skiing, running)
The word combines "cross" (from Old English cros, via Old Norse kross, meaning "to go or lie across") and "country" (from Old French contrée, derived from Latin contra "against," later meaning "rural land"). Originally used to describe travel or movement spanning rural areas (e.g., "cross-country journey"), it later specialized in sports (19th century) for races across natural terrain. The logic reflects literal movement across expansive, uncultivated land.
The cross-country train ride offered stunning views of the countryside.
She won the national cross-country skiing championship last winter.
The army conducted cross-country marches to prepare for rugged terrain.
Cross-country flights often face delays due to varying weather conditions.
His cross-country cycling trip covered over 3,000 miles.