genealogy
noun
ge·ne·al·o·gy
ˌjē-nē-ˈä-lə-jē 
also
-ˈa-lə-
also ˌje-nē-
plural genealogies
1
: an account of the descent of a person, family, or group from an ancestor or from older forms
2
: regular descent of a person, family, or group of organisms from a progenitor (see progenitor sense 1) or older form : pedigree
3
: the study of family ancestral lines
4
: an account of the origin and historical development of something
Examples of genealogy in a Sentence
They've been researching their genealogies.
has a distinguished genealogy that traces back to William the Conqueror
Recent Examples on the Web
Everything from genome sequencing to clinical diagnoses, crime solving, genealogy tests and genetic engineering uses DNA polymerase.
—
James F. Holden, The Conversation, 21 July 2025
Only three states have set limits on how law enforcement may use genetic genealogy.
—July 13, CBS News, 13 July 2025
Much in the way traditional testing like the Combined DNA Index System, or CODIS, is used to match DNA between suspects and victims, DNA can be tested against a bigger sample pool with forensic genetic genealogy, Elkins said.
—Craig Shoup, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
As the case proceeded, the defense team filed motions to suppress DNA evidence obtained through the forensic genealogy process and questioning the validity of other evidence, including cell phone records and the accuracy of a search warrant affidavit.
—Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for genealogy
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
James F. Holden, The Conversation, 21 July 2025
Only three states have set limits on how law enforcement may use genetic genealogy.
—July 13, CBS News, 13 July 2025
Much in the way traditional testing like the Combined DNA Index System, or CODIS, is used to match DNA between suspects and victims, DNA can be tested against a bigger sample pool with forensic genetic genealogy, Elkins said.
—Craig Shoup, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
As the case proceeded, the defense team filed motions to suppress DNA evidence obtained through the forensic genealogy process and questioning the validity of other evidence, including cell phone records and the accuracy of a search warrant affidavit.
—Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for genealogy
Cite this Entry
“Genealogy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/genealogy. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
genealogy
noun
ge·ne·al·o·gy
ˌjē-nē-ˈäl-ə-jē
ˌjen-ē-
ˌjen-ē-
-ˈal-
plural genealogies
1
: the line of ancestors of a person or family or a history of such a line of ancestors
2
: the study of family lines of ancestors
genealogist
noun
-ˈäl-ə-jəst
-ˈal-
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share