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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The proposal grew out of a grassroots effort to protect North Coast redwoods, where tribes are seeking a role in overseeing their ancestral homelands, my colleague Lila Seidman reports for The Times. Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026 The clear spirit is believed to act as a messenger, inviting ancestral souls for their blessings. ABC News, 14 May 2026 What begins as a criminal case becomes a clash between the State, faith and ancestral knowledge, revealing a force the law cannot contain. Roberto Prieto, Variety, 13 May 2026 On March 31, the research initiative Open Restitution Africa (ORA) launched the ORA Open Data Platform, a database that provides information on the restitution of African artifacts and ancestral remains. Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 11 May 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 19 May. 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

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