pedigree

noun

ped·i·gree | \ˈpe-də-ˌgrē

\

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 Wecter

b : the recorded purity of breed of an individual or strain vouch for a horse's pedigree

Other Words from pedigree Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about 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 on the Web

The second company — the one with the MIT pedigree — designed an Internet-connected LED light bulb. — Scott Kirsner, BostonGlobe.com, "Why one Boston home security startup caught on and another didn’t," 12 July 2018 But Bush, a speedy linebacker with an elite pedigree, was the guy the staff viewed as perhaps the most critical piece of the entire group. — Nick Baumgardner, Detroit Free Press, "Michigan LBs Devin Bush Jr., Khaleke Hudson are modern wrecking balls," 28 June 2018 When the fair opened April 6, 1968, only 22 of the old buildings were saved — mostly 19th-century buildings with a historical pedigree derived from their owners, architects or building styles. — Paula Allen, San Antonio Express-News, "Small world southeast of downtown San Antonio fell to progress," 16 June 2018 Torrey Pines toes the rare tightrope of municipal course with a world-class pedigree. — Tod Leonard, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Decade later, U.S. Open memories draw many fans to Torrey Pines," 12 June 2018 From a quirky Asian dessert shop to soul food with a serious pedigree to one of the year’s most interesting restaurants, this month will be one to remember. — Dominic Armato, azcentral, "Eat Here First in May: 3 new restaurants to try before everybody else does," 15 May 2018 Teams have avoided Kaepernick while signing quarterbacks with far less talent and even less on-field pedigree than Kaepernick. — Geoffrey C. Arnold, OregonLive.com, "NFL pariahs Colin Kaepernick, Eric Reid work out together," 9 May 2018 Iceland’s soccer pedigree is too great, its quality too high, for it to be included with those startling results. — Rory Smith, New York Times, "World Cup: Iceland Ties Argentina, but You Can Call It a Victory," 17 June 2018 As shown when Orlando City hired Jason Kreis, a championship pedigree is important here. — Jordan Culver, Pro Soccer USA, "What’s next for Orlando City after firing of coach Jason Kreis?," 16 June 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.

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Learn More about pedigree

Dictionary Entries near pedigree

pedigree theory

Statistics for pedigree

Last Updated

8 Oct 2018

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Time Traveler for pedigree

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

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More Definitions for pedigree

pedigree

noun

English Language Learners Definition of pedigree

: 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

See the full definition for pedigree in the English Language Learners Dictionary

pedigree

noun

ped·i·gree | \ˈpe-də-ˌgrē

\

Kids Definition of pedigree

1 : a table or list showing the line of ancestors of a person or animal

2 : a line of ancestors

pedigree

noun

ped·i·gree | \ˈped-ə-ˌgrē

\

Medical Definition of pedigree

: a record of the ancestry of an individual the pedigree of a diabetic patient

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