Red Cross

noun

: a red Greek cross on a white background used as the emblem of the International Red Cross

Examples of Red Cross in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Most Popular A number of local and international aid organizations, including the Nepal Red Cross, World Central Kitchen, and Médecins Sans Frontières, are providing urgent relief and recovery operations. — Nicola Chilton, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026 Less than two full months after the American Red Cross declared its second ever national blood supply crisis, the agency has announced a new partnership in order to encourage blood donations. — Tania Azhang, Sacbee.com, 1 Sep. 2026 The disaster has affected more than 90,000 people, according to the Nepal Red Cross. — Rudy Chinchilla, NBC news, 31 Aug. 2026 Evacuees were taken to the Maswik Lodge Cafeteria on the canyon’s South Rim, and the American Red Cross assisted with response efforts. — Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for Red Cross

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Red Cross was in 1866

Rhymes for Red Cross

See All Rhymes for Red Cross

Browse Nearby Words

red-crested pochard
Red Cross
red crossbill
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Cite this Entry

“Red Cross.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Red%20Cross. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

red cross

noun
: a red cross on a white background used as an emblem for hospitals and for an international organization that provides aid especially in areas of war or disaster

Medical Definition

Red Cross

noun
: a red Greek cross on a white ground adopted by the Geneva convention of 1864 as the emblem to identify noncombat installations, vehicles, and personnel ministering to the sick and wounded in war and now used as the emblem of the International Red Cross and its affiliates not only in war but in disaster relief and other humanitarian services

More from Merriam-Webster on Red Cross

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Red Cross

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