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.
Like many of the Italian players, Jacob expressed appreciation for the opportunity to learn more about his ancestral home. Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026 One particular hallucinogenic sequence, featuring ancestral ghosts and a musical performance by breakthrough actor Miles Caton, received widespread critical acclaim. Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Mar. 2026 One of my missions was to take Americans--often Irish Americans who had never been to their ancestral land--to Ireland and the school. Arkansas Online, 14 Mar. 2026 Twelve Tewa artists respond, with their art, to O'Keeffe's aesthetic claim to their ancestral land. John Burnett, NPR, 14 Mar. 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 20 Mar. 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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