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
Her family history including those lost in the Holocaust and those who survived have impacted her commitment to Judaism.
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Staff Report, Sun Sentinel, 8 July 2024
Can a person diminish their genetic risk for Alzheimer’s via lifestyle and various medical interventions, especially if started early, before too much damage is done?
Isaacson, who also has a family history of Alzheimer’s, believes the answer is yes.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 18 June 2024
The adventure takes a turn when the odd-couple’s old tensions resurface against the backdrop of their family history.
—Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 18 June 2024
Santos, who lied about nearly every aspect of his life during his successful run for office in 2022 — including his education, religion, family history, professional experience and property ownership. — was booted from Congress in December in a 311-to-114 vote.
—John Annese, New York Daily News, 3 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for family history 
Staff Report, Sun Sentinel, 8 July 2024
Can a person diminish their genetic risk for Alzheimer’s via lifestyle and various medical interventions, especially if started early, before too much damage is done?
Isaacson, who also has a family history of Alzheimer’s, believes the answer is yes.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 18 June 2024
The adventure takes a turn when the odd-couple’s old tensions resurface against the backdrop of their family history.
—Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 18 June 2024
Santos, who lied about nearly every aspect of his life during his successful run for office in 2022 — including his education, religion, family history, professional experience and property ownership. — was booted from Congress in December in a 311-to-114 vote.
—John Annese, New York Daily News, 3 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for family history
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'family history.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near family history
Cite this Entry
“Family history.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/family%20history. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
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