What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
crossbreed
Example
The farmer crossbred two different types of chickens to create a new breed. [crossbred: verb]
Example
The crossbreeding of a lion and a tiger resulted in a liger. [crossbreeding: noun]
Example
My dog is a crossbreed between a poodle and a terrier. [crossbreed: noun]
hybrid
Example
The hybrid of a lion and a tiger is called a liger. [hybrid: noun]
Example
The car runs on a hybrid engine that uses both gasoline and electricity. [hybrid: adjective]
Example
The plant is a hybrid of two different species of roses. [hybrid: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hybrid is more commonly used than crossbreed in everyday language. Hybrid has a wider range of applications and can be used to describe various things, such as cars, plants, and technology. Crossbreed is more specific to animal and plant breeding contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between crossbreed and hybrid?
Both crossbreed and hybrid are technical terms used in scientific contexts. However, hybrid is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while crossbreed is less common and may be more appropriate for technical or specialized writing.
