1. training employees in a variety of tasks or jobs that are outside their specialty areas so that they can substitute for one another when unforeseen absences occur. Cross-training is used to develop employee skills and to increase the flexibility with which a group or organization can deal with work demands.

2. improvement in skill performance of one part of the body (e.g., the left hand) as a result of practice with another part of the body (e.g., the right hand). Also called cross-education.

3. in sport, combining different sport or fitness activities to improve such areas as performance, endurance, flexibility, or weight loss. Combinations such as running (track), swimming, and weightlifting are typical. —cross-train vb.