interbreed

verb

in·​ter·​breed ˌin-tər-ˈbrēd 

interbred ˌin-tər-ˈbred  ; interbreeding

intransitive verb

: to breed together: such as

a

: crossbreed

b

: to breed within a closed population

transitive verb

: to cause to breed together

Examples of interbreed in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In a recent press release, the authors of a new study published in Archaeology in Oceania explained that previous studies suggest that Homo sapiens and Neanderthals interbred only once, between 43,500 and 51,500 years ago. —Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2025

Mingling and interbreeding Modern humans and Neanderthals share an ancestor that originated in Africa, but the two lineages diverged at least 500,000 years ago. —Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2025

There’s also the risk that the new genes are unsuitable for Florida waters, and any interbreeding would weaken local stock. —Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 3 July 2025

The lack of interbreeding is unexpected, as species of mammals that split apart often still share some genetic material. —Stephanie Edwards, Discover Magazine, 30 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Rhymes for interbreed

• aniseed
• centipede
• cottonseed
• disagreed
• ganymede
• guaranteed
• intercede
• overspeed
• pedigreed
• refereed
• supercede
• supersede

Kids Definition

interbreed

verb

in·​ter·​breed ˌint-ər-ˈbrēd 

interbred -ˈbred  ; interbreeding

: to breed or cause to breed together: as

a

: crossbreed

b

: to breed within a population

Medical Definition

interbreed

verb

in·​ter·​breed ˌint-ər-ˈbrēd 

interbred -ˈbred  ; interbreeding

intransitive verb

: to breed together: as

a

: crossbreed

b

: to breed within a closed population

transitive verb

: to cause to breed together