Plain English Meaning

Wind that hits the airplane from the side instead of straight down the runway. The pilot has to actively work against it to keep the airplane lined up and tracking straight.

Full Definition

Winds that blow across the runway or flight path at an angle, rather than directly down the runway. A crosswind has a component that pushes the airplane sideways relative to its intended track, requiring the pilot to apply control inputs to maintain alignment during takeoff, landing, and taxi.

Context Anchor

Commonly encountered during when the wind is not lined up with the runway.