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.
In contrast, the harsher environments on younger, western islands seem to favor the ancestral, eggplant-like chemicals. Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025 Each succeeding generation of the Guerlain family has enriched the perfume industry, preserving the rich ancestral tradition and crafting some of the world’s most beloved fragrances. Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025 Our ancestral charge is to grow a future worthy of their centuries of sacrifice and dreams. Essence, 25 June 2025 When her father dies suddenly during a trip to Pakistan, Azra is pulled back to her ancestral home for the burial and into a journey through memory, identity, and reconciliation. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 20 June 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 30 Jun. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!