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
Dixon Wecter
b
: the recorded purity of breed of an individual or strain
vouch for a horse's pedigree
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
Curtis Mead hasn’t hit yet in the majors, but the 24-year-old Australian infielder has a good minor league pedigree.
—The Athletic Mlb Staff, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025
New coach Tre Watson has an impressive pedigree and made a strong impression during spring camp with his energy and coaching style.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Aug. 2025
This affects hiring, performance reviews and promotions into leadership, which often privilege Western communication styles or prestigious educational pedigrees.
—Heather Price, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
The free-agent market is pretty empty on worthwhile upgrades, so trading for a younger linebacker (read: under 30) with an intriguing pedigree would be ideal.
—Mike Kaye
july 30, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for pedigree
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The Athletic Mlb Staff, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025
New coach Tre Watson has an impressive pedigree and made a strong impression during spring camp with his energy and coaching style.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Aug. 2025
This affects hiring, performance reviews and promotions into leadership, which often privilege Western communication styles or prestigious educational pedigrees.
—Heather Price, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
The free-agent market is pretty empty on worthwhile upgrades, so trading for a younger linebacker (read: under 30) with an intriguing pedigree would be ideal.
—Mike Kaye
july 30, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for pedigree
Cite this Entry
“Pedigree.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pedigree. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
Medical Definition
pedigree
noun
ped·i·gree
ˈped-ə-ˌgrē
: a record of the ancestry of an individual
the pedigree of a diabetic patient
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