ancestry
noun
an·ces·try
ˈan-ˌse-strē 
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
Peoples of Asian ancestry in the United States are not necessarily bound together by a common language, culture, or lineage.
—
Literary Hub, 16 Mar. 2026
Then, in 2018, as the advent of DNA testing to unearth clues to one’s ancestry grew in popularity, a California case shed light on a new avenue for investigators.
—Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 14 Mar. 2026
Having South Asian or Filipino ancestry also means a higher risk for developing atherosclerosis.
—Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 13 Mar. 2026
Today, between 11% and 16% of Pittsburgh’s population claims Irish ancestry.
—Paula Kane, The Conversation, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ancestry
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Literary Hub, 16 Mar. 2026
Then, in 2018, as the advent of DNA testing to unearth clues to one’s ancestry grew in popularity, a California case shed light on a new avenue for investigators.
—Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 14 Mar. 2026
Having South Asian or Filipino ancestry also means a higher risk for developing atherosclerosis.
—Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 13 Mar. 2026
Today, between 11% and 16% of Pittsburgh’s population claims Irish ancestry.
—Paula Kane, The Conversation, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ancestry
Cite this Entry
“Ancestry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ancestry. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ancestry
noun
an·ces·try
ˈan-ˌses-trē
1
: line of descent
2
: one's ancestors
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