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
Angela, a choir director and family history consultant for her local church, was first hospitalized on March 6 complaining of dizziness and weakness.
—
Christine Pelisek, People.com, 15 July 2025
Research your family history or perform a ritual that honors your ancestors.
—Danijela Pilic, Glamour, 10 July 2025
Current Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Current risk assessment focuses primarily on understanding family history and genetic risk factors.
—Adaira Landry, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Parents and guardians have been asked to step up and get better control of their kids, but for Jackson and her family, the noise of now comes a little too late, especially when there’s been a family history of violence that has plagued them for generations.
—Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for family history
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Christine Pelisek, People.com, 15 July 2025
Research your family history or perform a ritual that honors your ancestors.
—Danijela Pilic, Glamour, 10 July 2025
Current Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Current risk assessment focuses primarily on understanding family history and genetic risk factors.
—Adaira Landry, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Parents and guardians have been asked to step up and get better control of their kids, but for Jackson and her family, the noise of now comes a little too late, especially when there’s been a family history of violence that has plagued them for generations.
—Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 8 July 2025
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 27 Jul. 2025.
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