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

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

From 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"

From BBC

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

From Los Angeles Times

Scotland's nature agency NatureScot refers to these animals as feral pigs, and said they include hybrids - a mix of boar and domestic pigs following interbreeding.

From BBC

Related Words

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