sign of the cross

NOUN

hand gesture of faith

Synonyms

WEAK

crossing oneself gesture signation signing oneself signum crucis

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

As they viewed the remains laid out on a white silk sheet, many pilgrims made the sign of the cross, others kneeled down.

From Barron's • Feb. 22, 2026

Biden “makes the sign of the cross at public events, and his Catholicism is woven into his speeches and policies.”

From Salon • Dec. 1, 2024

“It was only thanks to God that I survived,” he exclaims, furiously making the sign of the cross three times.

From BBC • Nov. 14, 2024

At some point in the back-and-forth, the camera panned to Lauren Boebert, who attempted to trace the sign of the cross and somehow did it incorrectly.

From Slate • May 21, 2024

I made the sign of the cross over my heart, imploring Saint Giles to guide and help me as he had done before.

From "Crispin: The Cross of Lead" by Avi