crossbreed

1 of 2

verb

cross·​breed ˈkrȯs-ˌbrēd How to pronounce crossbreed (audio)
-ˈbrēd
crossbred ˈkrȯs-ˌbred How to pronounce crossbreed (audio) -ˈbred How to pronounce crossbreed (audio) ; crossbreeding

transitive verb

: hybridize, cross
especially : to cross (two varieties or breeds) within the same species

intransitive verb

: to engage in or undergo hybridization

crossbreed

2 of 2

noun

cross·​breed ˈkrȯs-ˌbrēd How to pronounce crossbreed (audio)
: hybrid

Examples of crossbreed in a Sentence

Noun a Siamese crossbreed who was atypically black, but had the build and voice of a Siamese
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Verb
This helped the team be sure the observed muscles did not come from crossbreeding. Since 2019, researchers have hypothesized about how this endearing trait evolved in canines. Alexa Robles-Gil, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 Oct. 2024 Bees in Southern California, originally from Europe, started crossbreeding with Africanized bees in the 1990s, said Orange County beekeeper Mike Henderson. Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2024
Noun
The distillery enlisted the help of a scientist to create a crossbreed of barley that could stand up to extreme fluctuations in weather in the mountains, which ranges from hot summers to snowy winters. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 30 July 2024 The crossbreed was already banned late last year in England and Wales, according to the Irish Examiner. Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 5 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for crossbreed 

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1675, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Noun

1774, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of crossbreed was in 1675

Dictionary Entries Near crossbreed

Cite this Entry

“Crossbreed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crossbreed. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

crossbreed

1 of 2 verb
cross·​breed ˈkrȯs-ˌbrēd How to pronounce crossbreed (audio)
-ˈbrēd
crossbred -ˌbred How to pronounce crossbreed (audio) -ˈbred How to pronounce crossbreed (audio) ; crossbreeding
: hybridize
especially : to cross two varieties or breeds of the same species

crossbreed

2 of 2 noun
cross·​breed -ˌbrēd How to pronounce crossbreed (audio)

Medical Definition

crossbreed

1 of 2 verb
cross·​breed ˈkrȯs-ˌbrēd, -ˈbrēd How to pronounce crossbreed (audio)
crossbred -ˌbred, -ˈbred How to pronounce crossbreed (audio) ; crossbreeding

transitive verb

: hybridize, cross
especially : to cross (two varieties or breeds) within the same species

intransitive verb

: to engage in or undergo crossing or hybridization

crossbreed

2 of 2 noun
cross·​breed -ˌbrēd How to pronounce crossbreed (audio)
: hybrid

More from Merriam-Webster on crossbreed

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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