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

Created with his wife Nkuthazo Alexis Dyalvane, the work incorporates cow hair, leather and grass, influenced by ritual adornments, reflecting ancestral knowledge, healing and spiritual transformation. — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026

The siblings grew up at Park House on the royal family’s Sandringham estate, before moving into their family’s ancestral home, Althorp, in 1975. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 28 Sep. 2026

As climate uncertainty and political instability mount, their quest becomes a search for resilience, ancestral wisdom, and survival. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2026

When the government expanded the park in the late 1990s and early 2000s, hundreds of villagers—including Mgesi's family—were forcibly evicted from their ancestral lands. — Juliet Kinsman, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 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