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

Pradasphere, the first permanent exhibition dedicated to Prada after earlier traveling iterations in 2014 in London and Hong Kong, and in 2023 in Shanghai, definitely reflects this cross-pollination of influences. — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026

But Richardson insists that cross-pollination is one of the company’s great strengths. — John Lippert, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2026

In 1994 the Eurostar highspeed train between London and Europe opened, accelerating the cross-pollination of cultures and ideas. — Sheena McKenzie, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2026

Under her guidance, the museum embarked on an internal program of cross-pollination. — News Desk, Artforum, 28 Sep. 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