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 main risk factor is family history.
—
Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 18 Feb. 2026
Coogler’s latest project draws on his Southern roots and family history to deliver a paranormal tale about two brothers who open a juke joint in their Mississippi hometown.
—Quincy Bowie, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026
Risk factors at any age include obesity, lack of physical activity, a diet high in red or processed meat and low in fruits and vegetables, smoking, heavy alcohol use, having inflammatory bowel disease or a family history of colorectal cancer.
—Lauran Neergaard, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2026
Testing Ancestry Our tester was interested in learning more about their family history, myths and lore.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for family history
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Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 18 Feb. 2026
Coogler’s latest project draws on his Southern roots and family history to deliver a paranormal tale about two brothers who open a juke joint in their Mississippi hometown.
—Quincy Bowie, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026
Risk factors at any age include obesity, lack of physical activity, a diet high in red or processed meat and low in fruits and vegetables, smoking, heavy alcohol use, having inflammatory bowel disease or a family history of colorectal cancer.
—Lauran Neergaard, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2026
Testing Ancestry Our tester was interested in learning more about their family history, myths and lore.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 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 23 Feb. 2026.
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