hereditary

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Like many chronic afflictions, Mets fandom can be hereditary or acquired.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

The two royal officeholders put their concerns to Labour's leader in the Lords, Baroness Smith, when the law that scrapped hereditary peers was in its early stages about a year ago.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

In a debate, Lord Roberts said "these two noble Lords undertake totally different roles on behalf of the Crown and state from any other of the hereditary peers".

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

It has been held by hereditary right by the Howard family since 1672 and the current holder is Edward Fitzalan-Howard, the 18th Duke of Norfolk, who inherited the position from his father in June 2002.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

However, whereas the lineages of tribal villages are equal-ranked clans, in a chiefdom all members of the chief’s lineage had hereditary perquisites.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond