pedigree

noun

ped·​i·​gree ˈpe-də-ˌgrē How to pronounce pedigree (audio)
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 trenchesDixon Wecter
b
: the recorded purity of breed of an individual or strain
vouch for a horse's pedigree
pedigreed adjective
or pedigree

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 on the Web He’s also got a star with a remarkable rock pedigree in Eve Hewson, the daughter of U2 frontman Bono. Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2023 In many major industries, skills are becoming more valuable than pedigree—and anyone can learn. Byjane Thier, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2023 Reed tried to forge a bond between her and Brigid Berlin, given the latter’s upscale pedigree. Will Hermes, New York Times, 22 Sep. 2023 Soon after taking over as attorney general, Paxton fired high-ranking employees and replaced them with aides with far-right pedigrees. Rachel Monroe, The New Yorker, 17 Sep. 2023 There have been other big wins for the Jaguars through years — Louisiana in 2013, San Diego State in 2016, Troy in 2017 and Southern Miss last year come to mind — but never has South Alabama so thoroughly whipped a team of the Cowboys’ pedigree. Creg Stephenson | Cstephenson@al.com, al, 17 Sep. 2023 The anomaly of his success, posthumous and otherwise, goes against the orthodoxy of artists whose formal training is a critical part of their pedigree; and his struggle with mental illness is often obscured by the dollar figures his work now commands. Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 23 Aug. 2023 In the Ralph Lauren area, customers were surrounded with stacks of brightly colored polo shirts, broad neckties, and natty blazers that evoked, but didn’t require, pedigree. Natalia Mehlman Petrzela, The New Republic, 14 Aug. 2023 The trend is based on material, but the truth is: pedigree is most advertised by manners. Isiah Magsino, Town & Country, 3 Sep. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pedigree.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pedigree was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near pedigree

Cite this Entry

“Pedigree.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pedigree. Accessed 2 Oct. 2023.

Kids Definition

pedigree

noun
ped·​i·​gree ˈped-ə-ˌgrē How to pronounce pedigree (audio)
1
: a table or list showing the line of ancestors of a person or animal
2
: an ancestral line : lineage
3
: purity of breed recorded by a pedigree
pedigreed adjective

Medical Definition

pedigree

noun
ped·​i·​gree ˈped-ə-ˌgrē How to pronounce pedigree (audio)
: a record of the ancestry of an individual
the pedigree of a diabetic patient

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