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

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.
It is believed that around 40% of Americans can trace their ancestry through Ellis Island, according to the National Park Service. ABC News, 3 July 2026 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 People can claim multiple ancestries or origins and appear in multiple categories. Albert Sun, New York Times, 2 July 2026 In a similar vein, Vice President Vance has claimed that Americans who can trace their ancestry to those who fought in the Civil War are more American than those who can’t. James Traub, The Atlantic, 28 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

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Cite this Entry

“Ancestry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ancestry. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

ancestry

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

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