crossbred
|cross-breed|
🇺🇸
/ˈkrɔs.briːd/
🇬🇧
/ˈkrɒs.briːd/
(crossbreed)
mixing breeds
Etymology
'crossbreed' originates from Modern English, specifically the compound 'cross' + 'breed', where 'cross' meant 'to cause to cross or mix' and 'breed' meant 'to produce offspring'.
'cross' comes from Old English and related Germanic sources meaning 'to go across' or 'to mix', and 'breed' comes from Old English 'brēdan' meaning 'to produce young'; these combined in modern English to form 'crossbreed'.
Initially it referred specifically to breeding across different breeds or varieties; over time it has retained this meaning and is commonly used both as a noun and as an adjective describing mixed-origin organisms.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an organism resulting from the crossbreeding of different breeds or varieties; a hybrid.
That calf is a crossbred, showing characteristics of both parent breeds.
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Verb 1
past tense or past participle form of 'crossbreed' (to breed individuals of different varieties, breeds, or species together).
The researchers crossbred two strains to produce a more disease-resistant plant.
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Last updated: 2026/01/24 18:37