ancestry

noun

an·​ces·​try ˈan-ˌse-strē 

1

: line of descent : lineage

especially : honorable, noble, or aristocratic descent

2

: persons initiating or comprising a line of descent : ancestors

Synonyms of ancestry

• lineage
• genealogy
• origin
• pedigree
• descent
• family
• breeding

Examples of ancestry in a Sentence

They claim to be of noble ancestry.

a person of unknown ancestry

She claims to be able to trace her ancestry all the way back to the earliest settlers.

Recent Examples on the Web

Ouidah, an especially important destination for those tracing their ancestry, is central to that effort. — Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Nov. 2026

Resident Tracy Creighton’s ancestry goes back to the missions founded more than two centuries ago by Spanish Franciscan priests. — Krysta Fauria, Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2026

Resident Tracy Creighton's ancestry goes back to the missions founded more than two centuries ago by Spanish Franciscan priests. — ABC News, 8 Nov. 2026

All participants were of European ancestry, so the findings may not apply to other populations. — Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

ancestry

noun

an·​ces·​try ˈan-ˌses-trē 

1

: line of descent

2

: one's ancestors