ancestry

noun

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

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.
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.
Customers send vials of their saliva to 23andMe for results on ancestry and health. Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Apr. 2025 In Kevin Nguyen’s gripping novel, the U.S. government sets up internment camps for citizens of Vietnamese ancestry following a wave of terrorist attacks. Meg Zukin, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2025 Gaia then takes this assumption and merges it with both modern locations and genetic structure to create a dynamic picture of ancestry. Stephanie Edwards, Discover Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025 New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont and Rhode Island have the highest rates of residents claiming Irish ancestry, according to the Census Bureau. Jennifer Borresen, USA TODAY, 15 Mar. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Ancestry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ancestry. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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