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

Finally, big systems benefit from cross-pollination with external partners. —Stephen Wunker, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025

After the war, the pace of East-West picture book cross-pollination quickened dramatically. —Leonard S. Marcus, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025

Encouraging collaboration, cross-pollination of ideas and fostering shared values helps in building an efficient and vibrant organization. —Raj Sharma, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025

This cross-pollination of ideas is what keeps NYC’s cultural energy so vibrant and mirrors how my late wife Isabel and I existed for 50 years in that magical space between art and fashion, not prioritizing one over the other but enjoying its intoxicating rare blend. —Lisa Lockwood, WWD, 10 Mar. 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