pedigree

noun

ped·i·gree ˈpe-də-ˌgrē

Synonyms of pedigree

: a register recording a line of ancestors

The pedigree traces the family back to the 18th century.

: an ancestral line : lineage

That horse has an impressive pedigree.

: the origin and the history of something

Democracy's pedigree stretches back to ancient Greece.

broadly : background, history

: a distinguished ancestry

Actions spoke louder than pedigrees in the trenches.—Dixon Wecter

: the recorded purity of breed of an individual or strain

vouch for a horse's pedigree

pedigreed

ˈpe-də-ˌgrēd

adjective

or pedigree

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

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.

Early life and family Thiam was born in Côte d’Ivoire, the youngest of seven children in a family with a political pedigree. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Aug. 2026 In the end, though, most families prioritize price and proximity over pedigree. — Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026 Vuskovic is more advanced than most players at his age, despite the absence of any Premier League pedigree. — Andy Naylor, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026 The Breitling Top Time B01 Chronograph 41 Tribute To Aston Martin DB5 is the second limited edition to come out of the partnership between the two companies, both of which can claim a pedigree that involves James Bond. — Carol Besler, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pedigree

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

Time Traveler

The first known use of pedigree was in the 15th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

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

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Kids Definition

pedigree

noun

ped·i·gree ˈped-ə-ˌgrē

: a table or list showing the line of ancestors of a person or animal

: an ancestral line : lineage

: 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

pedigree

noun

Synonyms of pedigree

Examples of pedigree in a Sentence

Word History

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Medical Definition

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