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

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

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