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

Common risk factors include hormonal shifts during pregnancy and menopause, weight gain, a naturally smaller airway, family history and smoking or alcohol use. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 3 Aug. 2026

What seems like an ordinary memory to you could be a priceless piece of family history to someone else. — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 30 July 2026

Earlier screening may be appropriate for those with additional risk factors, including a family history of diabetes, a history of gestational diabetes or PCOS and membership in a population disproportionately affected by diabetes. — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 29 July 2026

What came back was a six-page document - context, medications, family history, longitudinal trends across the bloodwork, and five specific questions to ask the specialist. — Amy Shoenthal, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

Rhymes for family history

• consistory
• ethnohistory
• mystery