Crossbreed: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used to describe animals or plants that are the result of combining two different breeds, species, or varieties. It is often used in scientific or agricultural contexts.

• The farm specializes in producing crossbreed chickens that are more resistant to disease

Commonly used in both biological and technological contexts to describe something made by combining two different elements. Can relate to animals, plants, and even cars.

• The new car model is a hybrid, combining an electric motor with a gasoline engine

Used mainly to describe domestic animals, especially pets like dogs and cats, that don't belong to one specific breed. This term is often used by pet owners and animal shelters.

• They adopted a mixed breed dog from the animal shelter

Generally used to refer to dogs of no definable breed. It can have a negative connotation, implying that the dog is inferior or less desirable.

• The children found a mongrel puppy on the street and decided to bring it home

Typically used when referring to the process of breeding two different breeds of the same species to produce a new variety.

• Farmers often crossbreed chickens to improve egg production

Commonly used in scientific and botanical contexts to describe the process of creating hybrids. It can refer to plants or animals, but often has a more formal or technical tone.

• Scientists hybridize two plant species to create a more resilient crop

Used to describe the mating between individuals of different breeds or species, and can occasionally have a negative connotation depending on the context, especially when discussing wildlife or genetic integrity.

• Certain wildlife populations are at risk if they interbreed with non-native species

Used specifically to describe the pairing of two different breeds or varieties for mating. This is usually a scientific or technical term.

• The researchers decided to cross-mate the two strains to observe the inheritance patterns