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

b

: the recorded purity of breed of an individual or strain

vouch for a horse's pedigree

pedigreed

ˈpe-də-ˌgrēd 

adjective

or pedigree

Synonyms of pedigree

• lineage
• ancestry
• genealogy
• breeding
• origin

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

Performance, process, and pedigree are the new trifecta for institutional capital. —Carrie McCabe, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026

With that pedigree, Scotch pine easily handles winters. —Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 20 Jan. 2026

Philo’s pedigree and his relationship at Faulkner now give him the inside track to become Florida’s starter in 2026. —Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Jan. 2026

Land Rover has now taken a high-profile step in authenticating the Defender’s pedigree at the most grueling, and prestigious, off-road race venue on the planet. —Karl Brauer, Robb Report, 19 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English pedegru, from Anglo-French pé de grue, literally, crane's foot; from the shape made by the lines of a genealogical chart

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids 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

pedigreed

-ˌgrēd 

adjective

Medical Definition

pedigree

noun

ped·​i·​gree ˈped-ə-ˌgrē 

: a record of the ancestry of an individual

the pedigree of a diabetic patient