ancestral

adjective

an·​ces·​tral an-ˈse-strəl 

: of, relating to, or inherited from an ancestor

ancestral estates

ancestrally

an-ˈse-strə-lē 

adverb

Examples of ancestral in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Confirming their engagement in May 2022, shortly after Roberts proposed in Ocasio-Cortez’s ancestral home of Puerto Rico, was a notable exception. — Michelle Ruiz, Vanity Fair, 14 Aug. 2026

Advertisement Uncle Alex’s arrival in Juffure was a feat of ancestral home revealed and personal mystery solved. — Anne Haley, Time, 11 Aug. 2026

Although the Samburu people’s ancestral lands once stretched as far as Ethiopia, conflict gradually pushed many communities south. — Nicola Shepherd, Travel + Leisure, 11 Aug. 2026

Modi’s early life Modi’s story begins in the city of Palanpur, nestled in India’s western Gujarat state and known as the ancestral home of the country’s diamond merchant class. — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing ancestral

• ancestral Pueblo
• ancestral Puebloan

Rhymes for ancestral

• orchestral
• kestrel

Kids Definition

ancestral

adjective

an·​ces·​tral an-ˈses-trəl 

: of, relating to, or developed from an ancestor

ancestral home

ancestrally

-trə-lē 

adverb