pedigree

noun ped·i·gree \ ˈpe-də-ˌgrē \

Updated on: 24 Apr 2018

Definition of pedigree

1 : a register recording a line of ancestors

The pedigree traces the family back to the 18th century.

2 a : an ancestral line : lineage

That horse has an impressive pedigree.

b : the origin and the history of something

Democracy's pedigree stretches back to ancient Greece.

; broadly : background, history

3 a : a distinguished ancestry

actions spoke louder than pedigrees in the trenches
—Dixon Wecter

b : the recorded purity of breed of an individual or strain

vouch for a horse's pedigree

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pedigreed

play \ˈpe-də-ˌgrēd\ or pedigree adjective

See pedigree defined for English-language learners

See pedigree defined for kids

Examples of pedigree in a Sentence

That horse has an impressive pedigree.
What is the dog's pedigree?
The puppy came with papers proving its pedigree.
Democracy is an idea with a pedigree stretching back to ancient Greece.
The company has an excellent pedigree with over a century in the business.

Recent Examples of pedigree from the Web

Few Cubans and outside experts expect a major transformation in Cuban governance under the leadership of Diaz-Canel, a relatively low-key party functionary who lacks the revolutionary pedigree of the Castro brothers.

— patrick j. mcdonnell, latimes.com, "Miguel Diaz-Canel replaces Raul Castro as Cuba's president," 19 Apr. 2018
The evening is a particular disappoint considering the pedigree of the creators.

— frank scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, "'This Flat Earth': Theater Review," 10 Apr. 2018
Tough, physical, athletic and comes with the pedigree of Iowa offensive linemen.

— paul dehner jr., Cincinnati.com, "Bengals mock draft 3.0: Mock trade adds options," 9 Apr. 2018
Considering the Grant Achatz pedigree, the dish is not even particularly hard to make.

— daniel neman, sacbee, "Spread joy: Cook with peanut butter | The Sacramento Bee," 3 Apr. 2018
Jakes Hotel, Villas & Spa Jakes Hotel, Villas & Spa has a hipper-than-hip pedigree, being carefully crafted by designer Sally Henzell in a style that could be called Caribbean funky but chic.

— mark rogers, USA TODAY, "Jamaica’s hip hotels: Authentic options beyond the all-inclusives," 22 Mar. 2018
Considering the pedigree of player Mike D’Antonio has coached during his career, the 66-year-old’s comments about James Harden on Tuesday came as a surprise.

— tom roddy, Newsweek, "Is James Harden Really Better Than LeBron James?," 21 Mar. 2018
The potential owners also have strong sports pedigrees, including stakes in other sports teams, and deep family roots.

— joseph person, katherine peralta and rick rothacker, charlotteobserver, "Billionaire’s row: A deep look at the potential bidders for the Carolina Panthers | Charlotte Observer," 16 Mar. 2018
Unlike most pharmaceuticals, cannabis did not arrive with a Food and Drug Administration pedigree of clinic trials, dosage guidelines and a list of specific uses.

— steve hendrix, Washington Post, "Many doctors are wary of medical marijuana. And Jeff Sessions hasn’t helped.," 2 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pedigree.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of pedigree

Middle English pedegru, from Anglo-French pé de grue, literally, crane's foot; from the shape made by the lines of a genealogical chart

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

pedigree Synonyms

Other Genetics Terms

chimera, hermaphrodite, plasticity

PEDIGREE Defined for English Language Learners

pedigree

noun

Definition of pedigree for English Language Learners

: the history of the family members in a person's or animal's past especially when it is good or impressive
: the origin and history of something especially when it is good or impressive