Definition of pedigree
1 : a register recording a line of ancestors The pedigree traces the family back to the 18th century.
2a : 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
3a : a distinguished ancestry actions spoke louder than pedigrees in the trenches — Dixon Wecterb : the recorded purity of breed of an individual or strain vouch for a horse's pedigree
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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
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Juventus lacks the Spanish club's pedigree in Europe, winning the top prize only twice and not since 1996.
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Despite his draft pedigree, the former San Diego State product didn’t show that much during his time with the Cowboys.
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Those who have data recorded to pedigree and/or family group sheets should bring those forms with them to assist the volunteers.
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If her showstopper of a gown would be dramatic for another actress, Ross recalled her pedigree.
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Despite its pedigree, however, that idea has received little formal attention, in part because it was assumed that altruism would have genetic roots, and that the genetic differences between competing Stone Age groups were insignificant.
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
First Known Use: 15th century
Other Genetics Terms
PEDIGREE Defined for English Language Learners
pedigree
playDefinition of pedigree for English Language Learners
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: the history of the family members in a person's or animal's past especially when it is good or impressive
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: the origin and history of something especially when it is good or impressive
PEDIGREE Defined for Kids
pedigree
playDefinition of pedigree for Students
1 : a table or list showing the line of ancestors of a person or animal
2 : a line of ancestors
Medical Dictionary
pedigree
playMedical Definition of pedigree
: a record of the ancestry of an individual the pedigree of a diabetic patient
Learn More about pedigree
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See words that rhyme with pedigree Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for pedigree Spanish Central: Translation of pedigree Nglish: Translation of pedigree for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of pedigree for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pedigree
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