descent

noun

de·​scent di-ˈsent 

1

a

: derivation from an ancestor : birth, lineage

of French descent

patrilineal descent

b

: transmission or devolution of an estate (see estate entry 1 sense 4b) by inheritance usually in the descending line

c

: the fact or process of originating from an ancestral stock

the descent of modern humans and chimpanzees from a common ancestor

d

: the shaping or development in nature and character by transmission from a source : derivation

… could trace a faint but sure descent from Roman law.

—R. W. Southern

2

: the act or process of descending from a higher to a lower level, rank, or state

begin our descent down the mountain

3

: a step downward in a scale of gradation

specifically : one generation in an ancestral line or genealogical scale

His pedigree shows eleven descents.

4

a

: an inclination downward : slope

a nearly perpendicular descent

b

: a way (such as a downgrade or stairway) that descends or leads downward

c

obsolete : the lowest part

… from the extremest upward of thy head to the descent and dust below thy foot …

—Shakespeare

5

a

: attack, invasion

descent of the locusts

b

: a sudden disconcerting appearance (as for a visit)

unprepared for the descent of her in-laws

6

: a downward step (as in station or value) : decline

the descent of the family into poverty

Synonyms of descent

• drop
• dip
• plunge
• decline
• dive
• fall
• down

Examples of descent in a Sentence

The book describes his descent into a deep depression after the death of his wife.

her slow descent to a life of addiction

The only path that goes down to the river is a rather steep descent, so be careful.

Recent Examples on the Web

Besides, the German team, like many others in Europe, has become conspicuously multiethnic, with players of Turkish, Polish, Arab, or African descent. —Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 23 Feb. 2026

The swirling, whirling mass approaches like a steam train, picking up thousands of tons of matter on its descent, throwing clouds of snow into the air as its gathers speeds of up to 130 kph (80 mph). —Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 22 Feb. 2026

The somber annual commemoration marks the anniversary of President Franklin Roosevelt signing Executive Order 9066 in 1942, which spurred the forcible removal and mass relocation of those of Japanese descent from the West Coast. —Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 22 Feb. 2026

The female athlete starts first, making two ascents, two descents and one section on foot. —Stephen J. Beard, USA Today, 19 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French descente, from Anglo-French descendre — see descend

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing descent

• of royal descent

Rhymes for descent

• accent
• advent
• ascent
• assent
• augment
• cement
• consent
• dement
• detent
• dissent
• event
• extent

Kids Definition

descent

noun

de·​scent di-ˈsent 

1

: one's line of ancestors : birth, lineage

2

: the act or process of descending

3

: a downward step (as in station or value) : decline

4

a

: a downward slant : slope

b

: a descending way (as a stairway)

5

: a sudden raid or assault

Medical Definition

descent

noun

de·​scent di-ˈsent 

1

: the act or process of descending from a higher to a lower location

descent of the testes into the scrotum

2

a

: derivation from an ancestor

b

: the fact or process of originating by generation from an ancestral stock (as a species or genus)

3

: a former method of distillation in which the material was heated in a vessel having its outlet underneath so that the vapors produced were forced to descend

Legal Definition

descent

noun

de·​scent

: transmission or devolution of the estate of a person who has died without a valid will compare distribution