crossbred

adjective

cross·​bred ˈkrȯs-ˈbred How to pronounce crossbred (audio)
Synonyms of crossbrednext
: produced by crossbreeding : hybrid
crossbred
ˈkrȯs-ˌbred How to pronounce crossbred (audio)
noun

Synonyms

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Examples of crossbred in a Sentence

a beautiful crossbred dog who had the pleading eyes of a beagle and the body of a greyhound
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The study also found that the breed of dog matters, as purebred dogs lived approximately eight months longer than crossbred dogs with two or more breeds. — Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 3 Feb. 2024 This type of crossbred dairy cow can produce 25,000 pounds of milk, and when her milking days are over, she can be slaughtered for premium beef because of body characteristics that make her meat uniform and desirable for eating. — Laura Reiley, Washington Post, 10 Nov. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of crossbred was in 1856

Rhymes for crossbred

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Browse Nearby Words

cross break
crossbred
crossbred wool
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Cite this Entry

“Crossbred.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crossbred. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

crossbred

adjective
cross·​bred ˈkrȯs-ˈbred How to pronounce crossbred (audio)
: produced by crossbreeding
especially : produced by crossing two pure but different breeds, strains, or varieties

Medical Definition

More from Merriam-Webster on crossbred

Nglish: Translation of crossbred for Spanish Speakers

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