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

Lord Carrington became a hereditary member of the Lords in 2018, after winning a by-election to replace a retired peer.

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

But, for some, the end will be deferred after a compromise deal was struck that gives a select few a chance to board what one outgoing peer called the "hereditary lifeboat".

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026

Whether hereditary units were divisible or indivisible did not particularly bother him; what concerned him was whether heredity was actionable or inactionable: whether human inheritance could be manipulated for human benefit.

From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee