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

Bees in Southern California, originally from Europe, started crossbreeding with Africanized bees in the 1990s, said Orange County beekeeper Mike Henderson.

From Los Angeles Times

This evolutionary process leads to the formation of ecotypes, i.e., locally adapted "plant breeds" that differ slightly in appearance and may no longer be easily crossbred.

From Science Daily

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

From Science Daily

However, the initial crossbreeding that created it was done without any intervention from humans.

From Science Daily

Using a variety of techniques, including crossbreeding and gene editing, scientists are altering the genomes of vulnerable animals, hoping to arm them with the traits they need to survive.

From New York Times

Related Words

• amalgam
• combination