hybrids

"Hybrids" is the plural form of "hybrid" — a word with a few closely related but distinct meanings. At its core, it always refers to something that is a mix of two different things. You'll encounter it in biology, technology, and everyday conversation.

1nounmixed plant or animal

In biology, a hybrid is a living thing — a plant or animal — that comes from two different species or varieties. Think of it as the 'child' of two parents that are not exactly the same type. The result is a new creature or plant that has features from both.

biology / science · Modern, widely used

Mules are hybrids — they are born from a horse and a donkey.

Scientists created new hybrids of wheat that grow better in dry climates.

The garden centre sells rose hybrids that bloom in unusual colours.

2nounhybrid vehicle

A hybrid car (or vehicle) uses two different power sources — usually a petrol engine AND an electric motor. It switches between them to save fuel. This is probably the most common way you will hear the word in everyday life today.

technology / transport · Modern, widely used

She bought one of the new hybrids because it uses much less fuel than a regular car.

Many taxi companies are switching to hybrids to reduce their running costs.

Hybrids are popular in cities because they produce less pollution.

3nounfigurativecombination of two things

More broadly, a hybrid is anything that combines two different things, styles, or systems into one. You can use this sense when talking about ideas, designs, methods, or even cultures — not just living things or machines.

everyday language · Modern, widely used · figurative

The new restaurant serves a hybrid of Italian and Japanese cuisine.

Their working model is a hybrid of remote and office-based work.

The building's design is a hybrid of modern and traditional architecture.

4adjectivedescribing something mixed or combined

"Hybrid" is also used as an adjective — a describing word — to say that something has a mixed or combined nature. You place it before a noun to describe what kind of thing it is.

everyday language / business · Modern, widely used

The company offers a hybrid approach to customer service.

Many schools now use a hybrid learning model, mixing in-person and online classes.

The device has a hybrid design that works as both a laptop and a tablet.