ancestry

noun

an·​ces·​try ˈan-ˌse-strē How to pronounce ancestry (audio)
1
: line of descent : lineage
especially : honorable, noble, or aristocratic descent
2
: persons initiating or comprising a line of descent : ancestors

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
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.
Krishnamoorthi would be the 10th Asian American in the Senate and only the second senator with South Asian ancestry. Sudiksha Kochi, USA Today, 8 May 2025 Then — boom — Saturn enters Aries on May 24th, activating your sector of home, ancestry, and emotional foundation for the first time since 1999. Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 29 Apr. 2025 In response to that criticism, a 2024 GWAS looked at the genetics of people of African, East Asian, South Asian, and Hispanic/Latin American ancestry. Michael MacIntyre, Verywell Health, 22 Apr. 2025 It's rooted in their ancestry and is beneficial for jaw exercise, dental health, and mental stimulation. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ancestry

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ancestry was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Ancestry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ancestry. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

ancestry

noun
an·​ces·​try ˈan-ˌses-trē How to pronounce ancestry (audio)
1
: line of descent
2
: one's ancestors

More from Merriam-Webster on ancestry

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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