ancestry

noun

an·​ces·​try ˈan-ˌse-strē 

1

: line of descent : lineage

especially : honorable, noble, or aristocratic descent

2

: persons initiating or comprising a line of descent : ancestors

Synonyms of ancestry

• lineage
• genealogy
• origin
• pedigree
• descent
• family
• breeding

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

Norby, who had earlier claimed ancestry tracing back to various Indigenous peoples in the southwestern US and northern Mexico, had claimed only Purépecha heritage since assuming her role at the Met; the group resides in Michoacán, Mexico. —News Desk, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2026

The playful breed-guessing challenge has captivated dog lovers, highlighting how diverse mixed-breed dogs can be—and how much personality can hint at ancestry. —Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026

Some European, Asian and African countries restrict citizenship based on ancestry, parentage or residency. —Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026

But after a trip to Nova Scotia last year to reconnect with her Canadian ancestry, Robillard is committed to securing her and her son’s citizenship. —Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 31 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

ancestry

noun

an·​ces·​try ˈan-ˌses-trē 

1

: line of descent

2

: one's ancestors