pedigree

noun

ped·​i·​gree ˈpe-də-ˌgrē 

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

pedigreed

ˈpe-də-ˌgrēd 

adjective

or pedigree

Synonyms of pedigree

• lineage
• ancestry
• genealogy
• breeding
• origin

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 Breitling Top Time B01 Chronograph 41 Tribute To Aston Martin DB5 is the second limited edition to come out of the partnership between the two companies, both of which can claim a pedigree that involves James Bond. — Carol Besler, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

As the two rushed back into the ring, Rollins hit a pedigree on Reigns and tried to pick up the win there, but Reigns kicked out of the pin. — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 3 Aug. 2026

Standing at 6ft 3in and boasting both Premier League and international pedigree, the 31-year-old Portugal international has the height and physicality to make his mark in front of a defence. — Mark Carey, New York Times, 31 July 2026

Of course, parents who are in the market for a name that denotes power, magic, and a regal pedigree are drawn to these names. — Parents, 31 July 2026

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

Kids Definition

pedigree

noun

ped·​i·​gree ˈped-ə-ˌgrē 

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

-ˌgrēd 

adjective

Medical Definition

pedigree

noun

ped·​i·​gree ˈped-ə-ˌgrē 

: a record of the ancestry of an individual

the pedigree of a diabetic patient