NOTE: Cross section (the noun) is two words, but cross-sectional (the adjective) is hyphenated. Moreover, many words prefixed by cross have become solid, e.g., crossword, crossroad. ... The verb form is not the same as the adjective or noun.

How do you use cross section in a sentence?

1 The contestants are drawn from a cross section of society. 2 We interviewed a wide cross section of people. 3 The demonstration provided a platform for a broad cross section of speakers. 4 The study group was selected from a broad cross section of the population.

Should I hyphenate two words?

Generally, you need the hyphen only if the two words are functioning together as an adjective before the noun they're describing. If the noun comes first, leave the hyphen out. This wall is load bearing. It's impossible to eat this cake because it is rock hard.