cross-pollination

noun

cross-pol·​li·​na·​tion ˌkrȯs-ˌpä-lə-ˈnā-shən 

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

This year, the festival leans into growth areas in comedy like live podcasting, while emphasizing cross-pollination between stand-up, film and television, and more. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 4 May 2026

Notably, Bauhinia blakeana is a sterile hybrid, resulting from the cross-pollination of two different plant varieties. —Pauline J. Yao, Artforum, 2 May 2026

These shrubs require cross-pollination to produce fruit, so plant at least two compatible varieties close together. —Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 27 Apr. 2026

Saul Leiken, the company’s director of product line, told me there is some cross-pollination—for example, the bike’s battery uses the same cells as a Rivian’s, just at a lower density. —ArsTechnica, 16 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for cross-pollination

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

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