interbreed

verb

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in·ter·breed | \ ˌin-tər-ˈbrēd

interbred\ ˌin-tər-ˈbred

\; interbreeding

Definition of interbreed

intransitive verb

: to breed together: such as

a : crossbreed

b : to breed within a closed population

transitive verb

: to cause to breed together

Examples of interbreed in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Neither can interbreed with whitetail deer found in Georgia. — Parish Howard, USA TODAY, 6 Nov. 2021 Where the biological species concept makes determinations based on whether organisms can interbreed, the phylogenetic view relies on histories of evolutionary descent. — Zach St. George, Harper's Magazine, 27 Apr. 2021 Even organisms that are indisputably considered separate species often interbreed, especially plants. — Zach St. George, Harper's Magazine, 27 Apr. 2021 It is known as the biological species concept, and posits that a species is a collection of populations of organisms that interbreed or could potentially do so. — Zach St. George, Harper's Magazine, 27 Apr. 2021 Genetic analysis confirmed the two species do not interbreed. — Elizabeth Pennisi, Science | AAAS, 25 Mar. 2021 The dire wolf didn't seem to interbreed with other species — as dogs, wolves, coyotes and other canids do. — Star Tribune, 28 Jan. 2021 Studying Canada goose migrations can be challenging; even bird biologists can’t tell migrant and resident geese apart by appearance; the populations also mix and interbreed. — Brian Handwerk, Animals, 16 Dec. 2020 The new data also show that fall-run and spring-run salmon often interbreed, Anderson says. — Elizabeth Pennisi, Science | AAAS, 29 Oct. 2020 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'interbreed.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.