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
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
Dumb Celebs Norway has a pedigree with reality competition shows and several of the new wave fit that bill.
—Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 20 Mar. 2025
From its pedigree to its casting to its themes, Levinson’s new effort comes across like a retread.
—Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Mar. 2025
Plus, the dress carries extra fashion pedigree: a near-identical version was worn by Anna Wintour to the 1996 Met Gala, held in homage to Christian Dior.
—Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 18 Mar. 2025
Of course, it’s always been a force in English soccer and has pedigree abroad after winning Europe’s most prestigious trophy in 1982.
—Henry Flynn, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pedigree
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Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 20 Mar. 2025
From its pedigree to its casting to its themes, Levinson’s new effort comes across like a retread.
—Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Mar. 2025
Plus, the dress carries extra fashion pedigree: a near-identical version was worn by Anna Wintour to the 1996 Met Gala, held in homage to Christian Dior.
—Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 18 Mar. 2025
Of course, it’s always been a force in English soccer and has pedigree abroad after winning Europe’s most prestigious trophy in 1982.
—Henry Flynn, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pedigree
Cite this Entry
“Pedigree.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pedigree. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.
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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