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

That’s why the mission was to create waves on the defensive line, to add game-changers built for big moments, such as Dexter Lawrence, and to focus on players with winning, championship pedigrees. — Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

As an experienced goalkeeper himself with World Cup pedigree however, who has also been on loan at Girona and played in the Champions League, Livakovic will keep ex-Espanyol shotsopper Joan Garcia on his toes at the Spotify Camp Nou. — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

For some privacy only about an hour outside of the big city, the Cotswolds, with its rolling hills, charming villages, and celebrity pedigree would certainly fit the bill. — Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 20 Aug. 2026

Becky Fatemi, executive partner at United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty, says buyers are increasingly looking for homes that combine architectural pedigree with modern updates that offer a turnkey experience. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 19 Aug. 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