ancestral

adjective

an·​ces·​tral an-ˈse-strəl 

: of, relating to, or inherited from an ancestor

ancestral estates

ancestrally

an-ˈse-strə-lē 

adverb

Examples of ancestral in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

All over the Caribbean and throughout its diaspora, the consecutive days of reverie known as carnival or mas are traditions rooted in African ancestral connection and resistance to colonization and slavery. —Mankaprr Conteh, Rolling Stone, 23 Aug. 2025

For most individuals—irrespective of gender, generation, religion, or ancestral origins in the United States—we have all been exposed to the concept of The American Dream. —Ronny Maye, Essence, 21 Aug. 2025

In the film, the family is desperate to save their ancestral property due to insurmountable debts. —Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2025

Although a critique of the current cultural climate, the song finishes on a note of optimism, with Chance emphasizing the enduring importance of ancestral wisdom. —Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 20 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing ancestral

• ancestral Pueblo
• ancestral Puebloan

Rhymes for ancestral

• orchestral
• kestrel

Kids Definition

ancestral

adjective

an·​ces·​tral an-ˈses-trəl 

: of, relating to, or developed from an ancestor

ancestral home

ancestrally

-trə-lē 

adverb