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

Thomas added that Cancer is connected to home life, family, ancestry and emotional foundations, while Capricorn governs career, public image and professional success. — ABC News, 26 June 2026

More than 40 million people worldwide claim Scottish ancestry, and many are in South Florida right now for the big World Cup match between Scotland and Brazil on Wednesday. — Joan Murray, CBS News, 24 June 2026

In an era of rising costs, uncertainty, and desire for greater family security, millions of Americans may already hold the key in their ancestry. — Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

The family, who trace their ancestry to Crete, was so well known that the neighborhood was named after them. — Jane Arraf, NPR, 23 June 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