mongrel
mon·grel
noun \ˈmäŋ-grəl, ˈməŋ-\Definition of MONGREL
1
: an individual resulting from the interbreeding of diverse breeds or strains; especially : one of unknown ancestry
2
: a cross between types of persons or things
— mongrel adjective
— mon·grel·i·za·tion \ˌmäŋ-grə-lə-ˈzā-shən, ˌməŋ-\ noun
— mon·grel·ize \ˈmäŋ-grə-ˌlīz, ˈməŋ-\ transitive verb
Examples of MONGREL
- She owns several dogs, including a mongrel named Stella.
- <mongrels often suffer fewer health problems than purebreds>
Origin of MONGREL
Middle English, probably from mong mixture, short for ymong, from Old English gemong crowd — more at among
First Known Use: 15th century
Related to MONGREL
- Synonyms
- cross, crossbred, crossbreed, intercross, hybrid
Other Genetics Terms
Learn More About MONGREL
Browse
Seen & Heard 
What made you want to look up mongrel? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).


See 









