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.
Despite these recent advances, understanding remains grossly inadequate regarding the descendants of Indigenous people of Mexico and Central America now living in the state, 60 percent of whom are usually considered mestizo, or of mixed European and Indigenous ancestry. Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025 The advanced policing technique involves submitting crime-scene DNA to public ancestry databases to narrow down the list of possible culprits. Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 24 July 2025 The Filipino ministry was founded in 2021 and has been creating programs to connect the community and its youth to their ancestry and Filipino culture. Emilie Takahashi, Oc Register, 22 July 2025 About 14% were Hispanic and typically had a mix of ancestries. Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC news, 21 July 2025 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 7 Aug. 2025.

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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