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
Synonyms of crossbreednext

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

Synonyms

Noun

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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
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Verb
Producers are starting to use genetic engineering and crossbreeding to create susceptible plants that take up fewer heavy metals through their roots, but this approach is still in its early stages. — C. Michael White, The Conversation, 14 Feb. 2025 According to Purina, crossbreeding dogs may not always result in the appearance owners expect. — Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025
Noun
By selecting various friends in her wanderings, Sophie’s mom had spawned not just one sort of crossbreed, but several in that same litter. — Charles Hammer, Kansas City Star, 26 Feb. 2025 Marlo the cockapoo, a crossbreed of a miniature poodle and cocker spaniel, joined Andrew Hall's family just weeks ago. — Rachael O'Connor, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025 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

Rhymes for crossbreed

See All Rhymes for crossbreed

Browse Nearby Words

crossbreed
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Cite this Entry

“Crossbreed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crossbreed. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

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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)
: hybrid sense 1

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

Nglish: Translation of crossbreed for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about crossbreed

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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