life history

noun

1

: a history of the changes through which an organism passes in its development from the primary stage to its natural death

2

: the history of an individual or thing

Examples of life history in a Sentence

studying the life history of bears

Recent Examples on the Web

Extremes are a natural part of a forest’s life history, and trees typically adapt to them—but this time is different. —Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Mar. 2024

History Etched In the Bones Another study conducted around the time of the grave’s discovery provides a fascinating picture of the king’s diet and environment at various stages of his life, all revealed through isotope techniques to reconstruct his life history. —Leslie Katz, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024

In reality a person’s age, gender — researchers have found that women tend to be more flexible than men — habits and life history also play important roles. —Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 20 Feb. 2024

Further studies are required to better understand the life history of the two spider species, researchers concluded. —Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 9 Feb. 2024

Because models are not actual natural history specimens, the cast would be of little scientific value for studying the morphology and life histories of blue whales. —Rachel Nuwer, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Jan. 2024

Scientists have spent their entire careers deliberating over the life history of ancient mummies like Ötzi the Iceman, who was found frozen in the Alps around 5,000 years after his death. —Gabe Allen, Discover Magazine, 27 Dec. 2023

Most were widowed or divorced and brought their life histories and experience to what is always a fraught process, adding a complexity and richness to the reality format. —Roxanne Roberts, Washington Post, 1 Dec. 2023

But more importantly, the show focuses less on competition and more on the rich life histories these baby boomers bring to love, loss and letting go. —Roxanne Roberts, Washington Post, 29 Sep. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

life history

noun

1

: a history of the changes through which a living thing passes in its development from the first stage to its natural death

2

: life cycle sense 1

Medical Definition

life history

noun

1

a

: a history of the changes through which an organism passes in its development from the primary stage to its natural death

b

: one series of the changes in a life history

2

: the history of an individual's development in his or her social environment