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

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

The technology’s monetization potential is “becoming more tangible,” and IBM’s existing pedigree and entrenchment within the public sector serve as a launchpad for growth.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

Captain of Italy's 2006 World Cup-winning team, the former defender does not have a scintillating managerial pedigree.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Not because of his desert pedigree, but because he’ll be playing acoustic.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 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