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

Sandler is also embracing a bit of cross-pollination with the sequel by (seemingly) folding in Blake Clark's fan-favorite role as Farmer Fran from The Waterboy (1998). —Allison Degrushe Published, EW.com, 19 June 2025

The world of celebrity chefs is a rather small circle, as often exhibited in the cross-pollination that occurs on their various television programs. —Alli Rosenbloom, CNN Money, 18 June 2025

Something starry-eyed about the joy of tournament football — the novelty, the discovery, the cross-pollination? —Jack Lang, New York Times, 18 June 2025

This cross-pollination between club and country has bred a group of players who are not just technically capable, but mentally battle-hardened. —Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025

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