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

That cross-pollination has become something of a competitive advantage. — Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2026

This kind of cross-pollination—bondage wear combined with eighteenth-century pastoral—will surely inspire students at the neighboring London College of Fashion. — Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 26 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

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