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 The deal, which all three tribes have now approved, marks a historic milestone for Indigenous nations that have fought for decades for their fair share of the water coursing through their ancestral lands. Tyrone Beason, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2024 The church has long been linked to the Grosvenor family and is not far from their ancestral seat, Eaton Hall, where Hugh proposed in April 2023 and where the wedding reception will be held. Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 6 June 2024 The British, with an ancestral aversion to attritional campaigns on the continent and memories of the bloodbaths at Passchendaele and the Somme fresh in their hearts, were more cautious. The Editors, National Review, 6 June 2024 Indigenous Potawatomi, Menomonie first called now-Silver City home before Europeans came for industrial jobs Silver City is on the ancestral land of the Potawatomi, Menomonie and other indigenous people. Bridget Fogarty, Journal Sentinel, 17 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for ancestral 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ancestral.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near ancestral

Cite this Entry

“Ancestral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ancestral. Accessed 10 Jun. 2024.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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