hereditary
adjective
he·red·i·tary
hə-ˈre-də-ˌter-ē 
1
a
biology
: genetically transmitted or transmittable from parent to offspring
The disease is hereditary.
b
: characteristic of or fostered by one's predecessors
a hereditary feud
2
a
: received or passing by inheritance or required to pass by inheritance or by reason of birth
hereditary wealth
b
: having title (see title entry 1 sense 4a) or possession through inheritance or by reason of birth
hereditary nobility
3
: of a kind established by tradition
hereditary enemies
4
: of or relating to inheritance or heredity
unless he had the hereditary dispositions which he has, he would not behave the way he does—
Arthur Pap
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Examples of hereditary in a Sentence
He suffers from a rare hereditary condition.
eye and hair color are hereditary
Recent Examples on the Web
Genetic testing: Specialized blood tests can identify genetic or hereditary diseases that may cause nerve damage.
—Michael Menna, Verywell Health, 11 July 2024
Princess Anne and Captain Mark reportedly rejected the offer of hereditary titles for their children when their eldest was born in 1977, and their kids grew up to pursue private careers — Peter in sports and event management, and Zara in the horse world.
—Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 9 July 2024
Healthcare providers break hyperkeratosis down into two types based on the underlying cause: acquired and hereditary.
—Mark Gurarie, Health, 5 July 2024
Both lacked the presence of the hereditary noble families that were at the ruling center of English political life.
—Gordon S. Wood, Washington Post, 2 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for hereditary 
Michael Menna, Verywell Health, 11 July 2024
Princess Anne and Captain Mark reportedly rejected the offer of hereditary titles for their children when their eldest was born in 1977, and their kids grew up to pursue private careers — Peter in sports and event management, and Zara in the horse world.
—Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 9 July 2024
Healthcare providers break hyperkeratosis down into two types based on the underlying cause: acquired and hereditary.
—Mark Gurarie, Health, 5 July 2024
Both lacked the presence of the hereditary noble families that were at the ruling center of English political life.
—Gordon S. Wood, Washington Post, 2 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for hereditary
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hereditary.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near hereditary
Cite this Entry
“Hereditary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hereditary. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
hereditary
adjective
he·red·i·tary
hə-ˈred-ə-ˌter-ē
1
: genetically passed or capable of being passed from parent to offspring
hereditary traits
2
a
: received or passing by inheritance
hereditary rank
b
: having title or possession through inheritance
hereditary ruler
3
: of or relating to inheritance or heredity
Medical Definition
hereditary
adjective
he·red·i·tary
hə-ˈred-ə-ˌter-ē
1
: genetically transmitted or transmittable from parent to offspring compare acquired sense 1, congenital sense 2, familial
2
: of or relating to inheritance or heredity
Legal Definition
hereditary
adjective
he·red·i·tary
hə-ˈre-də-ˌter-ē
1
: received or passing by inheritance or required to pass by inheritance
hereditary shares
2
: having ownership or possession through inheritance
Etymology
Latin hereditarius, from hereditas inheritance, from hered-, heres heir
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