plural pedigrees
1
: the history of the family members in a person's or animal's past especially when it is good or impressive
That horse has an impressive pedigree.
Her husband has a noble/aristocratic pedigree. [=the people in his family were noble/aristocratic]
What is the dog's pedigree?
a certificate of pedigree [=a paper that identifies an animal's parents]
2
: the origin and history of something especially when it is good or impressive
a painting's 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.
She wants to go to a school with pedigree. [=a school that has a long and impressive history]
Cite this Entry
“Pedigree.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/pedigree. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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