ancestral

adjective

an·​ces·​tral an-ˈse-strəl How to pronounce ancestral (audio)
Synonyms of ancestralnext
: of, relating to, or inherited from an ancestor
ancestral estates
ancestrally
an-ˈse-strə-lē How to pronounce ancestral (audio)
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.
The ancestral sparkling method is one of the oldest sparkling wine techniques, rooted in the early days of Umberto’s childhood. — Cathrine Todd, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026 The bell’s pyramidal face is decorated with depictions of deceased kings and queens, and its toll was believed to invoke ancestral spirits. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 29 June 2026 Dragonstone is the windswept ancestral seat of House Targaryen, but the Black Queen did not grow up playing among its dusky caverns. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 29 June 2026 Representatives from two local tribes draw a parallel between the gather and past efforts to expel their people from their ancestral lands, and say the horses are intertwined with their culture. — Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026 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

Phrases Containing ancestral

Rhymes for ancestral

See All Rhymes for ancestral

Browse Nearby Words

ancestor worship
ancestral
Ancestral Pueblo
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ancestral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ancestral. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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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
-trə-lē How to pronounce ancestral (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on ancestral

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for ancestral

Nglish: Translation of ancestral for Spanish Speakers

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