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
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.
—
Arkansas Online, 26 Feb. 2026
Before meeting Rael-Gálvez, Daria Celeste Landress had learned while researching her family history that three Indigenous ancestors had been listed in historical documents as chattel, alongside furniture, houses, and trees.
—Geraldo Cadava, New Yorker, 26 Feb. 2026
Many of us, because of certain historical circumstances, are not as fortunate to have such an elaborate family history.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 24 Feb. 2026
On the genetic side, there may be chemical imbalances in the brain or a family history of the illness that contribute to the disorder's onset.
—Edward Segarra, USA Today, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for family history
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Arkansas Online, 26 Feb. 2026
Before meeting Rael-Gálvez, Daria Celeste Landress had learned while researching her family history that three Indigenous ancestors had been listed in historical documents as chattel, alongside furniture, houses, and trees.
—Geraldo Cadava, New Yorker, 26 Feb. 2026
Many of us, because of certain historical circumstances, are not as fortunate to have such an elaborate family history.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 24 Feb. 2026
On the genetic side, there may be chemical imbalances in the brain or a family history of the illness that contribute to the disorder's onset.
—Edward Segarra, USA Today, 24 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 5 Mar. 2026.
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