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
Know your strengths, weaknesses, and family history.
—
Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 14 Jan. 2026
Marfisee recounted one instance in which a patient who had a family history of breast cancer was trying to schedule a mammogram.
—Vanessa Romo, NPR, 14 Jan. 2026
Maybe your family history dates back and there's a long-standing story that gets passed down.
—Will Richmond, The Providence Journal, 10 Jan. 2026
Totem poles are unique to the Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest and represent family history, stories, and events.
—Eve Chen, USA Today, 9 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Family history.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/family%20history. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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