genealogy

noun

ge·​ne·​al·​o·​gy ˌjē-nē-ˈä-lə-jē 

also

-ˈa-lə- 

 also  ˌje-nē-

plural genealogies

1

: an account of the descent of a person, family, or group from an ancestor or from older forms

2

: regular descent of a person, family, or group of organisms from a progenitor (see progenitor sense 1) or older form : pedigree

3

: the study of family ancestral lines

4

: an account of the origin and historical development of something

genealogical

ˌjē-nē-ə-ˈlä-ji-kəl 

ˌje-nē-

adjective

genealogically

ˌjē-nē-ə-ˈlä-ji-k(ə-)lē 

ˌje-nē-

adverb

Synonyms

• ancestry
• lineage
• pedigree
• family

Examples of genealogy in a Sentence

They've been researching their genealogies.

has a distinguished genealogy that traces back to William the Conqueror

Recent Examples on the Web

Over the years, investigators pursued multiple leads without success, releasing a composite sketch of the suspect and using genetic genealogy and familial DNA testing in search of a match. —Stephanie Murray, AZCentral.com, 9 Aug. 2025

Through genetic analysis and genealogical research — called genetic genealogy —TaKiR identifies and explores familial connections lost due to a history of human trafficking and enslavement. —Jennifer Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2025

Using forensic genealogy, a private lab tested DNA to develop a lead that led to the man in Wisconsin. —Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 1 Aug. 2025

Forensic genetic genealogy leads to ID Then, in May 2024, prosecutors set their sights on forensic genetic genealogy in hopes of identifying the remains, partnering with Othram Inc., the company said in a news release. —Daniella Segura, Miami Herald, 29 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English genealogie, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin genealogia, from Greek, from genea race, family + -logia -logy; akin to Greek genos race

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for genealogy

• aetiology
• anthropology
• archaeology
• archeology
• audiology
• cardiology
• climatology
• cohomology
• cosmetology
• criminology
• demonology
• dermatology

Kids Definition

genealogy

noun

ge·​ne·​al·​o·​gy ˌjē-nē-ˈäl-ə-jē  ˌjen-ē- 

-ˈal-

plural genealogies

1

: the line of ancestors of a person or family or a history of such a line of ancestors

2

: the study of family lines of ancestors

genealogical

ˌjē-nē-ə-ˈläj-i-kəl 

ˌjen-ē-

adjective

genealogically

-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

genealogist

-ˈäl-ə-jəst

-ˈal-

noun