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

Connecting with family history For Kassidy Angelo, Gioia’s co-founder and managing director, La Sponda signifies not only a new frontier for the company but also a chance to revisit her family’s heritage. — Miami Herald, 15 Sep. 2026

And inside their homes, parents find ways to impart their own lessons, translating trauma into family history. — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Yes, there was family history — their fathers having fought twice in the 1990s — but when Benn made his professional debut in 2016, the sons never looked likely to continue the feud. — Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026

When Kylie falls in love and is put in danger while uncovering her family history in England, Sally, Gillian, and their aunts must finally tell the girls the truth and come together to save her. — Livia Caligor, Architectural Digest, 10 Sep. 2026

Rhymes for family history

• consistory
• ethnohistory
• mystery