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
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.
But its construction could also disrupt a rare, pristine ecosystem and the ancestral homes of indigenous residents. Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 17 Dec. 2025 Hot autumn night has fallen over Worcester, Massachusetts, over the huge, baked asphalt lot behind the Palladium, the ancestral seat of the Northeast’s heavy-metal kingdom. James Parker, The Atlantic, 16 Dec. 2025 In the remote highlands of Montenegro, a shepherd mother and daughter proudly defend their ancestral mountain from the threat of becoming a NATO military training ground, stirring memories of the violence that shattered their family. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 10 Dec. 2025 This ingredient has been passed down from generation to generation, creating such an immense impact that, in 2010, UNESCO recognized traditional Mexican cuisine and its ancestral use of corn as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Paula Soria, AZCentral.com, 10 Dec. 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 19 Dec. 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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