pedigree
noun
ped·i·gree
ˈpe-də-ˌgrē 
1
: a register recording a line of ancestors
The pedigree traces the family back to the 18th century.
2
a
: an ancestral line : lineage
That horse has an impressive pedigree.
b
: the origin and the history of something
Democracy's pedigree stretches back to ancient Greece.
broadly
: background, history
3
a
: a distinguished ancestry
actions spoke louder than pedigrees in the trenches—
Dixon Wecter
Dixon Wecter
b
: the recorded purity of breed of an individual or strain
vouch for a horse's pedigree
Synonyms
Examples of pedigree in a Sentence
That horse has an impressive pedigree.
What is the dog's pedigree?
The puppy came with papers proving its pedigree.
Democracy is an idea with a pedigree stretching back to ancient Greece.
The company has an excellent pedigree with over a century in the business.
Recent Examples on the Web
Despite there being no shortage of centuries-old homes in London, there are not so many that carry a vaunted pedigree and have also been suitably renovated for modern living.
—Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 18 June 2024
Private companies are writing checks to fill the gap, and, accordingly, they…
Aggression in the Court
The idea of holding national leaders to account for waging wars of aggression has moral appeal and historical pedigree.
—René Pélissier, Foreign Affairs, 10 June 2024
Popular on Variety This package is loaded with pedigree.
—Matt Donnelly, Variety, 18 May 2024
But none of that pedigree could prepare her for the bizarre scene at Sotheby’s.
—Zachary Small, New York Times, 18 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for pedigree 
Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 18 June 2024
Private companies are writing checks to fill the gap, and, accordingly, they…
Aggression in the Court
The idea of holding national leaders to account for waging wars of aggression has moral appeal and historical pedigree.
—René Pélissier, Foreign Affairs, 10 June 2024
Popular on Variety This package is loaded with pedigree.
—Matt Donnelly, Variety, 18 May 2024
But none of that pedigree could prepare her for the bizarre scene at Sotheby’s.
—Zachary Small, New York Times, 18 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for pedigree
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pedigree.' 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 pedigree
Cite this Entry
“Pedigree.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pedigree. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
pedigree
noun
ped·i·gree
ˈped-ə-ˌgrē
1
: a table or list showing the line of ancestors of a person or animal
2
: an ancestral line : lineage
3
: purity of breed recorded by a pedigree
Medical Definition
pedigree
noun
ped·i·gree
ˈped-ə-ˌgrē
: a record of the ancestry of an individual
the pedigree of a diabetic patient
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