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.
My husband passed away in 2023, and his cremation remains are now in the ancestral tower on temple grounds. Malaka Gharib, NPR, 19 Mar. 2025 The accompanying music video, directed by Aram Sabbah, was filmed in Jericho — her ancestral home — and features her entire family. Sara Ibrahim, Rolling Stone, 19 Mar. 2025 More than a dining destination, Jaji serves as a cultural tribute, seeking to reimagine Afghan cuisine by blending ancestral traditions with the evolving, modern influences of the Afghan diaspora. Chelsea Davis, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025 In their study, the researchers analyzed the complete genetic sequences of more than 1000 modern humans, rather than DNA extracted from ancient bones, allowing the team to infer the presence of ancestral populations that would have otherwise left no physical traces. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 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 Mar. 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!