What does mongrelize mean?
Mongrelize is a rare verb meaning to create or breed an animal of mixed breed, especially a dog. It comes from the noun mongrel, historically used for a dog whose ancestry was not pure or was considered mixed. In modern usage, the word is uncommon, technical, and somewhat old-fashioned, and it normally describes an intentional breeding process rather than the accidental birth of a mixed-breed animal. For example, a breeder might mongrelize several strains of hound to develop a dog with particular qualities. The verb can sound unusual because the process it names is familiar, but the specialized vocabulary of pedigree breeding is well established. Its literal focus distinguishes it from terms such as hybridize, which is more common and can describe hybridization in biology generally, including plants.
verbTo make or breed an animal, especially a dog, of mixed breed; to crossbreed.
- To make or breed an animal, especially a dog, of mixed breed.
"The breeder sought to mongrelize the hounds to improve their stamina."
"They mongrelized the dogs over several generations to create a more resilient strain."
"The novel depicts an isolated community where outsiders mongrelize their prize hounds."
A rare word with a surprisingly literal job: it names the act of creating a mixed-breed animal.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does mongrelize come from?
The verb was formed in English by adding the suffix -ize to mongrel, a Middle English term for a dog of mixed breed. The deeper origin of mongrel is uncertain, although related forms appeared in continental European languages, including Old French. Its specialized use in animal breeding reflects the longstanding vocabulary of pedigree, strain, and crossbreeding.
Related word forms
How mongrelize is actually used
This is a rare, somewhat old-fashioned verb rather than an everyday term. It is principally used of dogs and other animals and denotes the process of producing a mixed breed.
Easily confused with mongrelize
Mongrelize means to create or breed a mixed-breed animal, whereas mangle means to cut, crush, or disfigure something.