cross-pollination

noun

cross-pol·​li·​na·​tion ˌkrȯs-ˌpä-lə-ˈnā-shən 

1

: the transfer of pollen from one flower to the stigma of another

2

: cross-fertilization sense 2

cross-pollination of fantasy and realism

Examples of cross-pollination in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

One of the advantages of working for a franchise owned by Kroenke Sports and Entertainment is the opportunities for cross-pollination between teams in different sports. —James Horncastle, New York Times, 13 June 2026

The fruit from the new tree may vary in size, flavor, and color due to genetic variability and the potential for cross-pollination. —Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 6 June 2026

Two of Zohran Mamdani’s enthusiasms — better bus service and soccer — have, in the World Cup, found their moment of zingy cross-pollination. —Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 4 June 2026

The main thread initially was this idea of cross-pollination in terms of geography and chronology. —Peter Larsen, Daily News, 27 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for cross-pollination

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

cross-pollination

noun

cross-pol·​li·​na·​tion

ˌkrȯ-ˌspäl-ə-ˈnā-shən

: the transfer of pollen from one flower to the stigma of another