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.
When shooting resumed, the haveli (mansion) set on Stage 3 at Filmistan Studio in Goregaon was modeled on the Amrohis’ ancestral home in Amroha. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026 When her aunt Helena and paralyzed grandmother Regina arrive, the fragile boundaries between everyday life, ancestral superstition and Trina’s increasingly disturbing nightmares begin to collapse. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2026 There are two populations – Jewish and Arab, the descendants of Abraham's sons, Isaac and Ishmael – fighting over ancestral land. — Lesley Stahl, CBS News, 11 Oct. 2026 After prescriptions failed, Manganiello pursued alternative healing and says a Santa Monica shaman helped free him from ancestral trauma. — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 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 14 Oct. 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

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