Maltese cross

noun

1
a
: a cross formée
b
: a cross that resembles the cross formée but has the outer face of each arm indented in a V see cross illustration
2
: a Eurasian herb (Lychnis chalcedonica) of the pink family cultivated for its usually scarlet flowers

Examples of Maltese cross in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The bracelet here is made to high watchmaking standards, with links shaped in the brand’s signature Maltese cross motif, a style used across the Overseas range. Carol Besler, Robb Report, 16 Jan. 2024 Malaria parasites don't do this, but the Maltese cross may not be immediately apparent in a blood smear and can be easily missed by an untrained examiner. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 13 Oct. 2023 Take for example a gold and diamond Serpenti necklace or a gold Maltese cross brooch with multi-colored stones from Verdura, which could easily be worn by any gender or, perhaps, shared among a couple. Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 19 Sep. 2023 The suite has even been built out with an interior column that at the top is shaped like the Vacheron Constantin Maltese cross. Degen Pener, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 May 2023 Easter egg alert: Claudia Schiffer in a 1990 ready-to-wear gown featuring costume jewelry versions of the Maltese cross on Verdura cuffs that were Coco’s signature — just as embedding such Chanel references in his collections was one of Mr. Lagerfeld’s signatures. Vanessa Friedman, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2023 The dial is classically minimalist, with needle-thin central hour and minute hands and eccentric details like long pointed hash marks at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock, pearled 18k white gold minute markers and an 18k gold Maltese cross, the brand’s logo, at 12 o’clock. Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 27 Mar. 2023 The gem, which has Maltese cross faceted at its base, was first sold by Christie's in 1918 at a London auction where residents sold precious household items to help the war effort. Reuters, CNN, 9 May 2022 So was born Verdura’s iconic Maltese cross cuffs, which Chanel wore everywhere, from beach to black tie, always as a pair and most certainly as constant reminders of her self-determination. Jill Newman, Town & Country, 16 June 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Maltese cross.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of Maltese cross was in 1877

Dictionary Entries Near Maltese cross

Cite this Entry

“Maltese cross.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Maltese%20cross. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

Maltese cross

noun
: a cross with four arms of equal size that increase in width toward the ends

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