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

The primary function of the figures was to protect and act as guardians for the ancestry relics housed in the containers below them. —James Russell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Nov. 2025

These tests help pet parents discover their dog’s breed, health traits and ancestry. —Trisha Easto, USA Today, 17 Nov. 2025

Ancestry rumors dismissed and scientific scrutiny urged The DNA analysis also challenges persistent speculation that Hitler’s paternal line included Jewish ancestry, a rumor rooted in claims that his grandmother became pregnant while working in a Jewish household. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 14 Nov. 2025

Kay and King said the findings also put to rest lingering rumors that Hitler had Jewish ancestry — speculation that stemmed from Hitler’s grandmother becoming pregnant while working in a Jewish household, according to the documentary. —Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 14 Nov. 2025

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