ancestral

adjective

an·​ces·​tral an-ˈse-strəl How to pronounce ancestral (audio)
: of, relating to, or inherited from an ancestor
ancestral estates
ancestrally adverb

Examples of ancestral in a Sentence

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.
The area is the ancestral homeland of Anishinaabek peoples that form the Council of Three Fires historic alliance, including the Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi nations, the Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau's website notes. Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 19 July 2025 Backed by the Public Investment Fund and built around the ancestral homes of the royal family, Diriyah is expected to house 100,000 residents and contribute $18.6 billion to Saudi GDP once complete. Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 18 July 2025 While paella has traveled far beyond Spain’s borders—often in versions that are blasphemous to the locals—this region is its ancestral home. Sofia Perez, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025 The connections African diasporic people have to cotton, indigo, and denim are ancestral, spiritual, revolutionary, and painful. Cierra Black, Essence, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for ancestral

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ancestral was in the 15th century

Cite this Entry

“Ancestral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ancestral. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

ancestral

adjective
an·​ces·​tral an-ˈses-trəl How to pronounce ancestral (audio)
: of, relating to, or developed from an ancestor
ancestral home
ancestrally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on ancestral

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