adjective , noun
■ adjective [ usually before noun ] adverb
1.
across fields or open country rather than on roads or a track :
cross-country running
We rode cross-country.
2.
from one part of a country to the other, especially not using main roads or routes :
cross-country train journeys
■ noun
1.
the cross-country [ sing. ] a cross-country running or skiing race
2.
[ U ] the sport of running or skiing across country
—compare downhill noun