English Reference
noun · adjective

hybrid

n. · adj.
US /ˈhaɪbɹəd/ UK /hˈaɪbɹɪd/ hy·brid UK spelling hybrids

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Science

    n.a plant or animal whose parents are from two different species or varieties.

    n.the offspring of two plants or animals of different species or varieties, such as a mule.

    Simple

    The mule is a well-known hybrid of a horse and a donkey.

    In context

    Botanists developed this specific hybrid to ensure the crop could withstand both extreme drought and local soil parasites.

    Usage

    Often followed by the preposition 'of'.

    cross breedmixture
    purebred
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.something that is made by combining two different elements or styles.

    n.a thing made by combining two different elements, often to leverage the advantages of both.

    Simple

    The new music style is a hybrid of jazz and traditional folk.

    In context

    The building's architecture is a curious hybrid, blending brutalist concrete structures with delicate glass facades typical of the modern era.

  3. 03 B1 Intermediate

    adj.using two different types of power, especially a car that uses both petrol and electricity.

    adj.relating to a vehicle that utilizes two or more distinct power sources, typically an internal combustion engine and an electric motor.

    Simple

    She decided to buy a hybrid car to save money on fuel and reduce her carbon footprint.

    In context

    The city council replaced the entire bus fleet with hybrid models to meet the new urban air quality standards.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.a way of working or studying that combines being in a building with working from home.

    adj.denoting a model of professional or educational engagement that integrates both in-person and remote participation.

    Simple

    Many companies now offer hybrid working, so staff only come to the office twice a week.

    In context

    The university adopted a hybrid learning approach, delivering core lectures online while maintaining small, face-to-face seminars for practical discussion.

    remotein person

Usage hybrid model

Remote and hybrid work may be particularly difficult for employees who are at the beginning of their careers, when much of their professional development still depends on learning from experienced colleagues.

Phys.org· 1 Sept 2026

That means if the government drops pure electric sales targets to 50%, the other 50% would need to be hybrid.

BBC News· 14 Aug 2026

From Latin hybrida, a variant of hibrida (“a mongrel; specifically, an offspring of a tame sow and a wild boar”). Attested since 1601, but rare before c. 1850.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin hybrida
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated