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

Once a celebrity commits to being on the show, The Masked Singer team goes through their life history to pick the perfect look. — Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026

After cards are pulled, their meanings are interpreted through the lens of the reader’s question, circumstances and life history. — Ziv Epstein, Fortune, 16 May 2026

After cards are pulled, their meanings are interpreted through the lens of the reader’s question, circumstances and life history. — Vana Goblot, The Conversation, 13 May 2026

Everyone who shops at Graul’s in Ruxton knows its famous cashier, Lester, who seems to know all his customers’ names, their life histories and in many cases, their favorite foods. — Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 13 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for life history

• ethnohistory
• consistory
• mystery

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