interbreed

verb

in·​ter·​breed ˌin-tər-ˈbrēd How to pronounce interbreed (audio)
interbred ˌin-tər-ˈbred How to pronounce interbreed (audio) ; interbreeding

intransitive verb

: to breed together: such as
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 Species may be defined based on physical differences, geographic range, evolutionary lineage and whether populations can—or do—interbreed, among other things. Asher Elbein, Scientific American, 24 Sep. 2024 Something keeps them from interbreeding—a difference in behavior, for instance, or a geographical barrier. Rebecca Heisman, Scientific American, 17 Sep. 2024 But whether that interbreeding was critical to H. elevatus separating from H. pardalinus and becoming its own distinct species was a mystery. Bysean Cummings, science.org, 17 Apr. 2024 As such, the team suggests Neanderthals’ mysterious disappearance had to do with them becoming absorbed into the population of modern humans through interbreeding. Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for interbreed 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'interbreed.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of interbreed was in 1859

Dictionary Entries Near interbreed

Cite this Entry

“Interbreed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interbreed. Accessed 8 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

interbreed

verb
in·​ter·​breed ˌint-ər-ˈbrēd How to pronounce interbreed (audio)
interbred -ˈbred How to pronounce interbreed (audio) ; interbreeding
: to breed or cause to breed together: as
b
: to breed within a population

Medical Definition

interbreed

verb
in·​ter·​breed ˌint-ər-ˈbrēd How to pronounce interbreed (audio)
interbred -ˈbred How to pronounce interbreed (audio) ; interbreeding

intransitive verb

: to breed together: as
b
: to breed within a closed population

transitive verb

: to cause to breed together

More from Merriam-Webster on interbreed

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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