ancestral

adjective

an·​ces·​tral an-ˈse-strəl How to pronounce ancestral (audio)
: of, relating to, or inherited from an ancestor
ancestral estates
ancestrally adverb

Examples of ancestral in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Farmers receive training to enhance production while adopting innovative tools that complement their ancestral practices. Daphne Ewing-Chow, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025 But by the early 20th century, following the displacement and enslavement wrought by successive waves of settlers — the Spanish, the Mexicans and then white Americans — the Tongva had lost their ancestral homeland in Southern California. Rebecca Plevin, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2025 Trump's border wall construction during his first term as president was criticized by border tribes such as the Tohono O'odham in Arizona for being built in the middle of sacred lands and ancestral burial grounds. Lexie Schapitl, NPR, 17 Jan. 2025 The film is an unapologetic celebration of the powerful, ancestral bond embedded in Black women. Zac Ntim, Deadline, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for ancestral 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ancestral was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near ancestral

Cite this Entry

“Ancestral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ancestral. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

ancestral

adjective
an·​ces·​tral an-ˈses-trəl How to pronounce ancestral (audio)
: of, relating to, or developed from an ancestor
ancestral home
ancestrally adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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