cross-pollination

noun

cross-pol·​li·​na·​tion ˌkrȯs-ˌpä-lə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce cross-pollination (audio)
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
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Many gig workers also operate across multiple brands and industries, spurring a cross-pollination of ideas that sharpens their work, fuels continuous improvement, and creates a more empathetic, modern approach to customer experience. Gary Drenik, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025 To avoid cross-pollination, different varieties of lettuce should be separated by at least 10 feet in the garden. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Sep. 2025 In Mother Jones, Kiera Butler looks closer at the cross-pollination of ideas between Israeli and American conservatives. David Weigel, semafor.com, 3 Sep. 2025 The cross-pollination between gyms like this and the world of online masculinity is strong. Will Carless, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cross-pollination

Word History

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cross-pollination was in 1882

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Cite this Entry

“Cross-pollination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cross-pollination. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

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

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