The term "cross-platform" in application development refers to the ability of software to operate on multiple operating systems or devices without needing platform-specific adjustments. This allows developers to create a single version of an application that works on various platforms, such as iOS and Android. Cross-platform tools, like React Native or Flutter, simplify development processes, reduce costs, and accelerate time-to-market. By ensuring broad accessibility, cross-platform development caters to a larger audience, improving user engagement and satisfaction.