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
Women who are at higher risk with a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors should discuss timing of screening with their health care provider.
—
ABC News, 3 June 2026
When to Talk to Your Doctor About Testing Patients with a family history of diabetes, symptoms of high blood sugar or markers of prediabetes are the most common candidates for further evaluation.
—Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2026
In addition, some patients with high risk for heart disease are offered this test, such as those with high cholesterol, high blood pressure or a family history of heart disease.
—Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
This might mean saving important family history, one piece of furniture, and a couple of really special cards and letters.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 31 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for family history
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ABC News, 3 June 2026
When to Talk to Your Doctor About Testing Patients with a family history of diabetes, symptoms of high blood sugar or markers of prediabetes are the most common candidates for further evaluation.
—Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2026
In addition, some patients with high risk for heart disease are offered this test, such as those with high cholesterol, high blood pressure or a family history of heart disease.
—Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
This might mean saving important family history, one piece of furniture, and a couple of really special cards and letters.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 31 May 2026
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 9 Jun. 2026.
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