crossbreed

[ kraws-breed, kros- ]

verb (used with object)

, cross·bred, cross·breed·ing.

1. to produce (a hybrid); hybridize.

verb (used without object)

, cross·bred, cross·breed·ing.

1. to undertake or engage in hybridizing; hybridize.

noun

1. an animal or group of animals produced by hybridization; hybrid.

crossbreed

/ ˈkrɒsˌbriːd /

verb

1. Alsointerbreed to breed (animals or plants) using parents of different races, varieties, breeds, etc

noun

1. the offspring produced by such a breeding

crossbreed

/ krôs′brēd′ /

Verb

1. To produce a hybrid animal or plant by breeding two animals or two plants of different species or varieties. For example, crossbreeding a male donkey with a female horse will produce a mule.

Noun

1. An animal or a plant produced by breeding two animals or plants of different species or varieties; a hybrid.

Word History and Origins

Origin of crossbreed¹

First recorded in 1665–75; cross- + breed

Example Sentences

And when distant relatives "crossbreed," this can lead to the emergence of viruses with completely new properties.

From Science Daily

Precise details aside, the same Old World parentage that wards off native insects, plus the crossbreed’s own renowned hardiness, helped planetrees resist the diseases that all but wiped out the American elm and American chestnut, two previously popular street trees.

From Slate

One tiny, black-haired crossbreed chihuahua has a pair of silver wings on its back, drawing coos of appreciation.

From BBC

In October, the government banned the crossbreed under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 following a rise in fatal attacks.

From BBC

The canine’s owner, Jessica Klugman, decked the 11-year-old chiweenie — a crossbreed of a chihuahua and a dachshund — in a blonde wig and pink glittery bodysuit for a dog costume contest as part of Saturday’s Halloween in Hopkins, Minnesota.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• amalgam
• combination