ancestry

noun

an·​ces·​try ˈan-ˌse-strē How to pronounce ancestry (audio)
Synonyms of ancestrynext
1
: line of descent : lineage
especially : honorable, noble, or aristocratic descent
2
: persons initiating or comprising a line of descent : ancestors

Synonyms of ancestry

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Examples of ancestry in a Sentence

They claim to be of noble ancestry. a person of unknown ancestry She claims to be able to trace her ancestry all the way back to the earliest settlers.
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Okada also has Japanese ancestry but none of that is the issue. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 13 Aug. 2026 Hough also said some of his ancestry can be traced to those who fought in the American Revolution. — Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 12 Aug. 2026 Riverside County District Attorney's Office From there, the victim's DNA profile was developed and uploaded to a direct-to-consumer ancestry database while a genealogist with RCCHT identified potential matches for close relatives. — Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026 Janice is also awaiting her visa, while Jeff already has UK citizenship from his Scottish ancestry. — Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ancestry

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ancestry was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

ancestrula
ancestry
anchialine
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ancestry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ancestry. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ancestry

noun
an·​ces·​try ˈan-ˌses-trē How to pronounce ancestry (audio)
1
: line of descent
2
: one's ancestors

More from Merriam-Webster on ancestry

Nglish: Translation of ancestry for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ancestry

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