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

Men at high risk, including Black men and those with a strong family history of prostate cancer, should get yearly PSA checks and start earlier, at age 45. — Lauran Neergaard, Chicago Tribune, 12 Nov. 2026

In fact, about 85% of women who develop breast cancer have no family history. — Albert Tzeel, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Nov. 2026

Men at high risk, including Black men and men with a strong family history of prostate cancer, should get yearly PSA checks and start earlier, at age 45. — CBS News, 12 Nov. 2026

Men at a higher risk, such as Black men or men with a strong family history of prostate cancer, should get tested earlier, starting at 45, the organization says. — ABC News, 12 Nov. 2026

Rhymes for family history

• consistory
• ethnohistory
• mystery