interbreed

verb

in·​ter·​breed ˌin-tər-ˈbrēd 

interbred ˌin-tər-ˈbred  ; interbreeding

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

In this full-length interview, geneticist David Reich explains how new findings have challenged the family tree model of ancestry and revealed a past shaped by migration, interbreeding, disappearance, and constant change. —Big Think, 21 Apr. 2026

The researchers detected significant interbreeding between the frog populations. —Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 5 Mar. 2026

The researchers also detected significant interbreeding between the frogs, adding complexity. —Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2026

Moreover, after episodes of interbreeding between the two groups, subsequent generations of Neanderthal males would have been more likely to mate with Neanderthal women that had more modern human ancestry, the study found. —Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 26 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Rhymes for interbreed

• aniseed
• centipede
• cottonseed
• disagreed
• ganymede
• guaranteed
• intercede
• overspeed
• pedigreed
• refereed
• supercede
• supersede

Kids Definition

interbreed

verb

in·​ter·​breed ˌint-ər-ˈbrēd 

interbred -ˈbred  ; interbreeding

: to breed or cause to breed together: as

a

: crossbreed

b

: to breed within a population

Medical Definition

interbreed

verb

in·​ter·​breed ˌint-ər-ˈbrēd 

interbred -ˈbred  ; interbreeding

intransitive verb

: to breed together: as

a

: crossbreed

b

: to breed within a closed population

transitive verb

: to cause to breed together