pedigree

noun

ped·​i·​gree ˈpe-də-ˌgrē How to pronounce pedigree (audio)
1
: a register recording a line of ancestors
The pedigree traces the family back to the 18th century.
2
a
: an ancestral line : lineage
That horse has an impressive pedigree.
b
: the origin and the history of something
Democracy's pedigree stretches back to ancient Greece.
broadly : background, history
3
a
: a distinguished ancestry
actions spoke louder than pedigrees in the trenchesDixon Wecter
b
: the recorded purity of breed of an individual or strain
vouch for a horse's pedigree
pedigreed adjective
or pedigree

Examples of pedigree in a Sentence

That horse has an impressive pedigree. What is the dog's pedigree? The puppy came with papers proving its pedigree. Democracy is an idea with a pedigree stretching back to ancient Greece. The company has an excellent pedigree with over a century in the business.
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.
As London embraces sophisticated tequila appreciation beyond shots, the unique combination of celebrity pedigree and quality has positioned it as the fashionable choice for the capital’s style-conscious social set. Angela Lei, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025 But Steichen’s pedigree coaching both the Chargers’ Justin Herbert and the Eagles’ Jalen Hurts to recent success gives Jones the chance to be the 2025 version of Sam Darnold. Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2025 With its pedigree of art, architecture, and exclusivity, this property offers a rare chance to own a residence with a story—one written by collectors who have spent a lifetime shaping their own visual legacy. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 27 Mar. 2025 There are plenty of children born with that sort of pedigree. Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pedigree

Word History

Etymology

Middle English pedegru, from Anglo-French pé de grue, literally, crane's foot; from the shape made by the lines of a genealogical chart

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

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Cite this Entry

“Pedigree.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pedigree. Accessed 10 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

pedigree

noun
ped·​i·​gree ˈped-ə-ˌgrē How to pronounce pedigree (audio)
1
: a table or list showing the line of ancestors of a person or animal
2
: an ancestral line : lineage
3
: purity of breed recorded by a pedigree
pedigreed adjective

Medical Definition

pedigree

noun
ped·​i·​gree ˈped-ə-ˌgrē How to pronounce pedigree (audio)
: a record of the ancestry of an individual
the pedigree of a diabetic patient

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