interbreed

verb

in·​ter·​breed ˌin-tər-ˈbrēd How to pronounce interbreed (audio)
interbred ˌin-tər-ˈbred How to pronounce interbreed (audio) ; interbreeding

intransitive verb

: to breed together: such as
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Like Neanderthals, Denisovans interbred with our own species, so Hawks argues both are subcategories of humans. Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 June 2025 This is a surprising feat considering that research has shown Neanderthals and humans regularly interbred. Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 18 Apr. 2025 This backs up the evidence of the two groups interbreeding. Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 10 June 2025 The work was published in late May in Proceedings of the Royal Society B. Scientists have long had an inkling that the termites might be interbreeding. Lillian Ali, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for interbreed

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of interbreed was in 1859

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Cite this Entry

“Interbreed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interbreed. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

interbreed

verb
in·​ter·​breed ˌint-ər-ˈbrēd How to pronounce interbreed (audio)
interbred -ˈbred How to pronounce interbreed (audio) ; interbreeding
: to breed or cause to breed together: as
b
: to breed within a population

Medical Definition

interbreed

verb
in·​ter·​breed ˌint-ər-ˈbrēd How to pronounce interbreed (audio)
interbred -ˈbred How to pronounce interbreed (audio) ; interbreeding

intransitive verb

: to breed together: as
b
: to breed within a closed population

transitive verb

: to cause to breed together

More from Merriam-Webster on interbreed

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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