ancestry

/ˈæn.sɛs.tɹi/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: ancestries

Sense 1

Meaning · English

The state of being ancestors.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Birth to a noble or high-ranking family, or to someone of honorable descent.

Noun

Examples

Title and ancestry render a good man more illustrious, but an ill one more contemptible.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “ancestry” mean?

The state of being ancestors.

Is “ancestry” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.