Word
pedigree
Phoneticspedi·gree
US/ˈpɛdəɡɹi/
UK/pˈɛdɪɡɹˌiː/
Definitions
01animal ancestry
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Technical
n. the record of an animal's ancestors, showing that it is a pure breed.
n. the recorded ancestry or genealogical table of a domesticated animal, particularly to demonstrate purebred status.
“The breeder provided a full pedigree for the puppy to prove its champion bloodline.”
“The horse's pedigree was impeccable, tracing its lineage back to several legendary Triple Crown winners.”
Usage
Often used as a countable noun when referring to the physical document.
Antonyms
02distinguished history
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal
n. a person's family history or the long, successful background of an idea or company.
n. a person's ancestral history or the provenance and development of an institution or concept, usually implying high status.
“The university has a long pedigree of producing world-class scientists.”
“Despite the firm's impressive pedigree in traditional finance, it struggled to adapt to the rapid shift toward digital currencies.”
Usage
Frequently used metaphorically to describe institutions or professional reputations.
Synonyms
03purebred
C1 · Advanced British English · Technical
adj. describing an animal that comes from a family of the same breed.
adj. having a documented line of ancestors of the same breed; purebred.
“They only sell pedigree cats at this specific pet shop.”
“The competition is strictly limited to pedigree dogs that meet the specific physical standards of the kennel club.”
Usage
In American English, 'purebred' is more common as an adjective, while 'pedigree' is often used as a noun.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“Genetic analysis allowed the researchers to reconstruct family pedigrees covering as many as four generations.” “Between Baby Reindeer , Somewhere Boy and Misfits, Clerkenwell Films has developed an incredible pedigree when it comes to television.” Etymology
From Anglo-Norman pé de grue, a variant of Old French pié de gru (“foot of a crane”), from Latin pes (“foot”) + grus (“crane”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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