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
Bringing it out of the shadows and into a more prominent location can help preserve a bit of family history, and that’s something that’s always worth passing down.
—
Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 16 Dec. 2025
Michelle, who had been living under a different identity, called the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office upon discovering her true family history, according to the release.
—Sydney Bishop, CNN Money, 13 Dec. 2025
In the study, for example, 30% of women with high-risk genes did not have a family history of breast cancer.
—Alice Park, Time, 12 Dec. 2025
Since she was adopted, Taylor didn't know her family history.
—CBS News, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for family history
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Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 16 Dec. 2025
Michelle, who had been living under a different identity, called the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office upon discovering her true family history, according to the release.
—Sydney Bishop, CNN Money, 13 Dec. 2025
In the study, for example, 30% of women with high-risk genes did not have a family history of breast cancer.
—Alice Park, Time, 12 Dec. 2025
Since she was adopted, Taylor didn't know her family history.
—CBS News, 12 Dec. 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 Dec. 2025.
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