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

Other medical fears and family history were the strongest predictors. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 8 Oct. 2026

Risk factors include traumatic needle experiences, a family history of needle fear and anxiety disorders such as OCD or generalized anxiety disorder. — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 8 Oct. 2026

The museum, leaders announced on Wednesday, will also house a genealogy center that will be intended to help visitors preserve family history through the company FamilySearch. — Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Oct. 2026

Osinski’s collection of Polish circus posters similarly ties the interiors to his family history. — Amira Hashish, Architectural Digest, 7 Oct. 2026

Rhymes for family history

• consistory
• ethnohistory
• mystery