family history
noun
1
: past occurrences (of a medical or mental health condition) in family members or past incidences (of a type of behavior) by family members
They have a family history of heart disease.
a family history of violence
2
: a record of one's ancestors
He can trace his family history all the way back to the Pilgrims.
Examples of family history in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The day’s events will include Braynon and her husband, Oscar, providing tips on starting one’s genealogical journey, author Jessica Garrett Modkins will also discuss things to consider when recording your family history versus that of the general community.
—
Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2025
As a Chinese-American, See’s own family history drew her to tell the tale of the Chinese Massacre of 1871.
—Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
Other factors include age (most cases occur after age 50), diet (a high-fat diet can increase cancer risk), and family history of the disease.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2025
Researchers collected pathology reports, demographics, symptoms, and family history.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 13 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for family history
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Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2025
As a Chinese-American, See’s own family history drew her to tell the tale of the Chinese Massacre of 1871.
—Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
Other factors include age (most cases occur after age 50), diet (a high-fat diet can increase cancer risk), and family history of the disease.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2025
Researchers collected pathology reports, demographics, symptoms, and family history.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 13 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for family history
Cite this Entry
“Family history.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/family%20history. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.
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