cross-pollination

noun

cross-pol·​li·​na·​tion ˌkrȯs-ˌpä-lə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce cross-pollination (audio)
1
: the transfer of pollen from one flower to the stigma of another
2
: cross-fertilization sense 2
cross-pollination of fantasy and realism

Examples of cross-pollination in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The cross-pollination yields a brand of comedy whose values are clear but that never loses sight of life’s unpredictability. Ismail Muhammad, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025 Lawrence Welk Only a couple sketches attempted the kind of cross-pollination that made SNL’s 40th-anniversary special so spectacular, including the Bronx Beat ladies having coffee with Linda Richman. Joe Berkowitz, Vulture, 17 Feb. 2025 Such collaboration and cross-pollination is why the state permitted the creation of charter schools 25 years ago. Robert Rader, Hartford Courant, 22 Jan. 2025 And there’s enough cross-pollination between the staffs to think no one will be surprised inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium, no matter what happens. Pete Sampson, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cross-pollination

Word History

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cross-pollination was in 1882

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Cite this Entry

“Cross-pollination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cross-pollination. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

cross-pollination

noun
cross-pol·​li·​na·​tion
ˌkrȯ-ˌspäl-ə-ˈnā-shən
: the transfer of pollen from one flower to the stigma of another

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