parentage

noun

par·​ent·​age ˈper-ən-tij 

1

a

: descent from parents or ancestors : lineage

a person of noble parentage

b

: derivation, origin

a tradition of uncertain parentage

2

: parenthood

Synonyms of parentage

• ancestry
• lineage
• origin
• pedigree
• breeding

Examples of parentage in a Sentence

they were pleased that their son's girlfriend was of good parentage

Recent Examples on the Web

The court order says that Texas law governs the child's parentage, the child's protection, and medical decision-making for the child. — Briseida Holguin, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026

The fact that the series ends with Natalie’s parentage still unresolved feels like a real conversation-starter. — Daniel D'addario, Variety, 31 July 2026

However, at times she has remained guarded about her famous parentage. — Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026

But the high court has interpreted the Constitution’s 14th Amendment — ratified in 1868 and upheld in a ruling in 1898 — as granting citizenship to all babies born in the country, regardless of parentage. — Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 1 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Anglo-French, from parent parent entry 1 + -age -age

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

parentage

noun

par·​ent·​age ˈpar-ənt-ij 

ˈper-

: descent from parents or ancestors : lineage