pedigree

American  

[ped-i-gree] / ˈpɛd ɪˌgri /

noun

1. an ancestral line; line of descent; lineage; ancestry.

2. a genealogical table, chart, list, or record, especially of a purebred animal.

3. distinguished, excellent, or pure ancestry.

4. derivation, origin, or history.

   the pedigree of a word.

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pedigree British  

/ ˈpɛdɪˌɡriː /

noun

1. 1. the line of descent of a purebred animal

   2. ( as modifier )

      a pedigree bull

2. a document recording this

3. a genealogical table, esp one indicating pure ancestry

4. derivation or background

   the pedigree of an idea

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Related Words

Pedigree, genealogy refer to an account of ancestry. A pedigree is a table or chart recording a line of ancestors, either of persons or (more especially) of animals, as horses, cattle, and dogs; in the case of animals, such a table is used as proof of superior qualities: a detailed pedigree. A genealogy is an account of the descent of a person or family traced through a series of generations, usually from the first known ancestor: a genealogy that includes a king.

Other Word Forms

• pedigreed
  adjective
• pedigreeless
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of pedigree

1375–1425; late Middle English pedegru, from Anglo-French, equivalent to Middle French pie de grue literally, “foot of crane,” a fanciful way of describing the appearance of the lines of a genealogical chart

Explanation

The noun pedigree refers to the genetic background of an animal, although it is sometimes applied to people as well. A purebred dog, for example, comes with a verified pedigree, a list of all past parentage. The preoccupation with pedigree isn't new — the concern for human pedigree can be seen in the Bible, where generations are meticulously recorded. Pedigree, referring to a genealogical chart, appeared in 1410 from the Anglo-French pe de gru, meaning "foot of a crane," referring to the chart’s tree — like lines, which looked like the print of a crane's foot. The importance of pedigree extends to animals such as dogs and horses, with breeders careful to follow the animal's lines to assure "purity."

Example Sentences

As the son of famed English folk singer-songwriters Richard and Linda Thompson, he has a musical pedigree — and gifts that are wholly his own.

From Salon • May 15, 2026

Few doubt Robinson's pedigree as one the premier seamers in the country and his competitiveness will add some much-needed fire to England's attack.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

Despite his Ivy League pedigree, Nourafchan was a midlevel deal lawyer who hopped among prestigious firms.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026

I had more than a decade of experience in my field and a Big Tech pedigree that had reliably opened doors for me.

From Slate • Apr. 20, 2026

Gawaine Agravaine Gaheris Gareth Mordred Even if you have to read it twice, like something in a history lesson, this pedigree is a vital part of the tragedy of King Arthur.

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White

Related Words

• lineage