pedigree

noun

ped·​i·​gree ˈpe-də-ˌgrē 

1

: a register recording a line of ancestors

The pedigree traces the family back to the 18th century.

2

a

: an ancestral line : lineage

That horse has an impressive pedigree.

b

: the origin and the history of something

Democracy's pedigree stretches back to ancient Greece.

broadly : background, history

3

a

: a distinguished ancestry

actions spoke louder than pedigrees in the trenches

—Dixon Wecter

b

: the recorded purity of breed of an individual or strain

vouch for a horse's pedigree

pedigreed

ˈpe-də-ˌgrēd 

adjective

or pedigree

Synonyms

• ancestry
• birth
• blood
• bloodline
• breeding
• descent
• extraction
• family tree
• genealogy
• line
• lineage
• origin
• parentage
• stock
• strain

Examples of pedigree in a Sentence

That horse has an impressive pedigree.

What is the dog's pedigree?

The puppy came with papers proving its pedigree.

Democracy is an idea with a pedigree stretching back to ancient Greece.

The company has an excellent pedigree with over a century in the business.

Recent Examples on the Web

While appetites have eased across the industry as most players cut back on spending, the bet Condé Nast is making is that the company’s pedigree will still enable it to cut a desirable figure in a crowded marketplace. —Dade Hayes, Deadline, 25 Oct. 2024

Teacup October 10, Peacock Even after two episodes premiered at Fantastic Fest, little is known about this promising new Peacock offering, but the pedigree is undeniably impressive. —Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2024

Jackman, one of the most accomplished actors of his generation, brings an impressive awards pedigree to his resume. —Clayton Davis, Variety, 25 Sep. 2024

The advantages for buyers include gaining an Oceanco pedigree for the vessel, but with a shorter build time and a range of interiors and exteriors that the client chooses. —Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 4 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English pedegru, from Anglo-French pé de grue, literally, crane's foot; from the shape made by the lines of a genealogical chart

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

pedigree

noun

ped·​i·​gree ˈped-ə-ˌgrē 

1

: a table or list showing the line of ancestors of a person or animal

2

: an ancestral line : lineage

3

: purity of breed recorded by a pedigree

pedigreed

-ˌgrēd 

adjective

Medical Definition

pedigree

noun

ped·​i·​gree ˈped-ə-ˌgrē 

: a record of the ancestry of an individual

the pedigree of a diabetic patient