ancestral

adjective

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

Examples of ancestral in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Drawing on textile traditions rooted in women’s domestic and communal practices, the works approach stitching, weaving and dyeing as forms of mark making; methods of carrying ancestral stories across borders and generations. Michael James Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026 Set in the remote highlands of Montenegro, the film tells the story of a shepherd mother and her daughter who proudly defend their ancestral mountain from the threat of becoming a NATO military training ground, stirring memories of past violence that once shattered their family. Leo Barraclough, Variety, 5 Feb. 2026 Yet long before Latin America’s cultural preponderance led global headlines, Mexico was already a must-visit destination for those seeking ancestral cuisine, artistic heritage, and centuries-old traditions. Atenea Morales De La Cruz, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Feb. 2026 Honoring Tradition As the company grew, so did Zulu’s connection to the art’s ancestral roots. Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 3 Feb. 2026 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 11 Feb. 2026.

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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