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

More generally, being bold has also meant respecting Lucero’s international pedigree and allowing a wide range of architectural typologies to take root, from Spanish Colonial-style estates to Miami Beach-modern spec homes. — Peter Lane Taylor, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

After back-to-back right knee surgeries, the 2024 second-round pick looks ready to prove his pedigree. — Mike Kaye july 9, Charlotte Observer, 9 July 2026

United have wanted an experienced goalkeeper, ideally with Premier League pedigree and qualifying as homegrown, to help bring on Lammens and rotate as required with the club in the Champions League next season. — Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 9 July 2026

Let’s revisit the Yankees, who take 70 percent of Chapman’s remaining contract and part with Spencer Jones, whose prospect pedigree is torpedoing faster than the 2026 Giants in the standings. — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 8 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