ancestry

noun

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

Synonyms of ancestry

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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.
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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.
As a result, the researchers were able to trace the genetic ancestry of the people who once lived there. — Tom Metcalfe, Scientific American, 2 July 2026 The family, who trace their ancestry to Crete, was so well known that the neighborhood was named after them. — Jane Arraf, NPR, 23 June 2026 People can claim multiple ancestries or origins and appear in multiple categories. — Albert Sun, New York Times, 2 July 2026 In an era of rising costs, uncertainty, and desire for greater family security, millions of Americans may already hold the key in their ancestry. — Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

ancestrula
ancestry
anchialine
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Cite this Entry

“Ancestry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ancestry. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of ancestry for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ancestry

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