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
In Stoeffler's case, his family history played a large role in the clogged arteries.
—
Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 8 Jan. 2026
Access to family history is also closely tied to psychological well-being, identity development, and a sense of belonging — outcomes the state already supports through adoption records, family reunification and archival access.
—Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 5 Jan. 2026
Beauboeuf-Lafontant described Renfrow Smith as her family’s memory keeper, preserving two centuries of family history through firsthand recollection.
—Nick El Hajj, Des Moines Register, 5 Jan. 2026
The play traces Chaudhuri’s family history from the Trail of Tears to her grandfather’s allotment in central Oklahoma.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for family history
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.
Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 8 Jan. 2026
Access to family history is also closely tied to psychological well-being, identity development, and a sense of belonging — outcomes the state already supports through adoption records, family reunification and archival access.
—Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 5 Jan. 2026
Beauboeuf-Lafontant described Renfrow Smith as her family’s memory keeper, preserving two centuries of family history through firsthand recollection.
—Nick El Hajj, Des Moines Register, 5 Jan. 2026
The play traces Chaudhuri’s family history from the Trail of Tears to her grandfather’s allotment in central Oklahoma.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Jan. 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 12 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share