interbreed

[in-ter-breed]

verb (used with object)

interbred, interbreeding 

1. to crossbreed (a plant or animal).

2. to cause to breed together.

verb (used without object)

interbred, interbreeding 

1. to crossbreed.

2. to breed or mate with a closely related individual, as in a small, closed population.

interbreed

/ ˌɪntəˈbriːd /

verb

1. (intr) to breed within a single family or strain so as to produce particular characteristics in the offspring

2. another term for crossbreed

Word History and Origins

Origin of interbreed¹

First recorded in 1855–60; inter- + breed

Example Sentences

The earlier timeline means that the three species of humans co-existed on the planet for around 800,000 years, much longer than previously thought, perhaps interacting and interbreeding in that time.

Read more on BBC

Barred owls and spotted owls are similar in appearance and can even interbreed.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Barred owls and spotted owls are similar in appearance and the birds can even interbreed.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"Over time we are going to have this entire lineage of cold adapted elephants that we can put back into the wild that can interbreed"

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The two owls are closely related; they are similar in appearance and the birds can even interbreed.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• associate 
• blend 
• fuse 
• incorporate 
• infuse 
• mingle 
• stir 
• weave