heritability

noun

her·​i·​ta·​bil·​i·​ty ˌher-ə-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce heritability (audio)
ˌhe-rə-
1
: the quality or state of being heritable
2
: the proportion of observed variation in a particular trait (such as height) that can be attributed to inherited genetic factors in contrast to environmental ones

Examples of heritability 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 resulting estimates of heritability are only about a third of those based on twin studies. — Eric Turkheimer, The Atlantic, 13 Oct. 2025 Your chronotype, according to these findings, is a complex polygenic trait with a heritability estimated at around 50%, shaped by hundreds of small genetic effects acting in concert. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026 For this to work, one of the reactions that the early RNAs would need to catalyze is the copying of RNA molecules, without which any sort of heritability would be impossible. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 13 Feb. 2026 Using mathematical modeling and data pulled from twin and sibling studies, a new study published Thursday in Science found that heritability contributes more than 50% of our lifespan. — O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 30 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for heritability

Word History

Etymology

herit(able) + -ability

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of heritability was in 1832

Rhymes for heritability

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Browse Nearby Words

Herisau
heritability
heritable
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Cite this Entry

“Heritability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heritability. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

heritability

noun
her·​i·​ta·​bil·​i·​ty ˌher-ət-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce heritability (audio)
plural heritabilities
1
: the quality or state of being heritable
2
: the proportion of observed variation in a particular trait (as intelligence) that can be attributed to inherited genetic factors in contrast to environmental ones

More from Merriam-Webster on heritability

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about heritability

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