genealogy

noun

ge·​ne·​al·​o·​gy ˌjē-nē-ˈä-lə-jē How to pronounce genealogy (audio)
also
-ˈa-lə- How to pronounce genealogy (audio)
 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 adjective
genealogically adverb

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
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.
Using investigative genetic genealogy — which combines consumer DNA testing, like 23andMe, with genealogical research — the students set to work to solve the mystery. Alana Wise, NPR, 23 May 2025 This has become one of the oldest cold case identifications using investigative genetic genealogy, Ramapo said. May 23, CBS News, 23 May 2025 Investigators had used genetic genealogy to identify a source and then pulled trash outside the Kohberger family home in Pennsylvania. Shane Bishop, NBC news, 8 May 2025 Investigative genetic genealogy leads to ID Then, in June 2020, investigators set their sights to investigative genetic genealogy in hopes of identifying the woman, marking their first case to use such methods, deputies said. Daniella Segura, Sacbee.com, 5 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for genealogy

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

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

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Cite this Entry

“Genealogy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/genealogy. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

genealogy

noun
ge·​ne·​al·​o·​gy ˌjē-nē-ˈäl-ə-jē How to pronounce genealogy (audio) ˌjen-ē- How to pronounce genealogy (audio)
-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 adjective
genealogically adverb
genealogist
-ˈäl-ə-jəst
-ˈal-
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on genealogy

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