ancestral

adjective

an·​ces·​tral an-ˈse-strəl How to pronounce ancestral (audio)
: of, relating to, or inherited from an ancestor
ancestral estates
ancestrally adverb

Examples of ancestral in a Sentence

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.
In the Isan region of Thailand, an ancestral spirit named Ba Yan has been worshiped by villagers for generations. Michael Lee Simpson, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2025 Those elements are mixed in with stories of rape, misogyny and ancestral theft that have occurred over generations, but the blend isn’t easy to follow and Chong’s message tends to get lost in the confusion. Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 27 Oct. 2025 In recent years there has been some effort by some Western academic institutions to right the wrongs of the past and return ancient ancestral remains and artifacts to their rightful tribal nations. Frank Vaisvilas, jsonline.com, 27 Oct. 2025 Yagazie Emezi and Nuotama Bodomo rework ethnographic traditions through indigenous knowledge—Emezi invoking ancestral memory through textiles and ritual, Bodomo reframing film through Afro-indigenous rhythms. Photovogue, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ancestral

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ancestral was in the 15th century

Cite this Entry

“Ancestral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ancestral. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

ancestral

adjective
an·​ces·​tral an-ˈses-trəl How to pronounce ancestral (audio)
: of, relating to, or developed from an ancestor
ancestral home
ancestrally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on ancestral

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