ancestry

noun

an·​ces·​try ˈan-ˌse-strē How to pronounce ancestry (audio)
1
: line of descent : lineage
especially : honorable, noble, or aristocratic descent
2
: persons initiating or comprising a line of descent : ancestors

Examples of ancestry in a Sentence

They claim to be of noble ancestry. a person of unknown ancestry She claims to be able to trace her ancestry all the way back to the earliest settlers.
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.
Virgo Check in with your brood or look up your family tree to get details on your ancestry. Lisa Stardust, People.com, 5 Dec. 2024 Chickens Are Miniature Dinosaurs Beyond the anatomical and molecular evidence, chickens exhibit behavioral and neurological traits that echo their prehistoric ancestry, according to a December 2011 article published in Historical Biology. Scott Travers, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024 Ensure your pets get the best care at a fraction of the cost. Embark DNA Testing Kit: Discover your pet’s breed, ancestry, and health with the Embark DNA Testing Kit, available for up to 40% off during Chewy's Cyber Monday sale. Kasey Caminiti, USA TODAY, 2 Dec. 2024 Judging from relics uncovered in a cave in Iberia, Spain, the act of collecting may stretch at least as far back as our Neanderthal ancestry. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ancestry 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ancestry was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near ancestry

Cite this Entry

“Ancestry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ancestry. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

ancestry

noun
an·​ces·​try ˈan-ˌses-trē How to pronounce ancestry (audio)
1
: line of descent
2
: one's ancestors

More from Merriam-Webster on ancestry

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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