genealogy

noun

ge·​ne·​al·​o·​gy ˌjē-nē-ˈä-lə-jē How to pronounce genealogy (audio)
also
-ˈa-lə- How to pronounce genealogy (audio)
also ˌje-nē-
plural genealogies
Synonyms of genealogy
1
: an account of the descent of a person, family, or group from an ancestor or from older forms
2
: regular descent of a person, family, or group of organisms from a progenitor (see progenitor sense 1) or older form : pedigree
3
: the study of family ancestral lines
4
: an account of the origin and historical development of something
genealogical
ˌjē-nē-ə-ˈlä-ji-kəl How to pronounce genealogy (audio)
ˌje-nē-
adjective
genealogically
ˌjē-nē-ə-ˈlä-ji-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce genealogy (audio)
ˌje-nē-
adverb

Synonyms of genealogy

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Examples of genealogy in a Sentence

They've been researching their genealogies. has a distinguished genealogy that traces back to William the Conqueror
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Authorities have identified a woman found strangled in Fort Worth nearly 40 years ago, thanks to advances in forensic genealogy, and are asking for help finding her killer. — Doug Myers, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026 The two were finally identified using advances made in genealogy and forensics, along with help from their families, the department said. — Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Aug. 2026 In 2025, the Medical Examiner’s Office submitted some biological evidence to Othram, a laboratory near Houston, for a forensic genetic genealogy analysis. — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Aug. 2026 In 2025, authorities used genetic genealogy to identify her as LeBlanc, with help from the Toronto Police Service, the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service and Othram Laboratories in Texas. — Nicole Acosta, PEOPLE, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for genealogy

Word History

Etymology

Middle English genealogie, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin genealogia, from Greek, from genea race, family + -logia -logy; akin to Greek genos race

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Rhymes for genealogy

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Browse Nearby Words

genealogizer
genealogy
genecologic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Genealogy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/genealogy. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

genealogy

noun
ge·​ne·​al·​o·​gy ˌjē-nē-ˈäl-ə-jē How to pronounce genealogy (audio) ˌjen-ē- How to pronounce genealogy (audio)
-ˈal-
plural genealogies
1
: the line of ancestors of a person or family or a history of such a line of ancestors
2
: the study of family lines of ancestors
genealogical
ˌjē-nē-ə-ˈläj-i-kəl How to pronounce genealogy (audio)
ˌjen-ē-
adjective
genealogically
-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce genealogy (audio)
adverb
genealogist
-ˈäl-ə-jəst, 
-ˈal-
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on genealogy

Nglish: Translation of genealogy for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about genealogy

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