Definition
A landing made when the wind is blowing across the runway rather than straight down it, requiring the pilot to use specific control inputs to keep the airplane aligned with the runway centerline and prevent sideways drift at touchdown.
Plain English
Landing when the wind is pushing from the side instead of from straight ahead. The pilot has to actively counter that sideways push so the airplane touches down going straight along the runway, not drifting off to one side.
Context Anchor
You encounter this during approach and landing whenever the reported or observed wind is not lined up with the runway you are using.
Derivation
Crosswind' literally means a wind that crosses your path rather than coming from in front of you. The term is used the same way in sailing and other outdoor activities.
Why Pilots Care
Improper technique can cause loss of directional control, runway excursions, or damage to the landing gear.
Grounding Statement
Picture the airplane aimed at the runway while a steady side wind keeps trying to slide it left or right.
Intuition Check
A crosswind landing does not mean the airplane should land sideways. The wind may come from the side, but the airplane should touch down tracking straight along the runway.
Example Sentence 1
With the wind out of the west and Runway 36 in use, the student briefed for a crosswind landing using the wing-low technique.
Example Sentence 2
Strong gusts made the crosswind landing more demanding, so the pilot elected to use a higher approach speed and full deflection of the controls.