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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Some Scorpios may move, renovate, reconnect with family history, or confront complicated emotions tied to childhood and belonging. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 6 May 2026 Each brought a perspective rooted in family history, immigration and identity. Kansas City Star, 4 May 2026 But just as Allen was getting his feet wet in the guiding business, his family history grabbed him. Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 4 May 2026 Goenka said the model could someday be useful for people who already have risk factors for the disease — such as a family history or diabetes — but don’t have any symptoms. Aria Bendix, NBC news, 2 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for family history

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Family history.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/family%20history. Accessed 13 May. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster