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

Age, family history, inherited genetic mutations, breast density and other factors can influence when screening should begin and which imaging tools may be most appropriate. — Baptist Health, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2026

For some people with the right risk factors or family history, the potential payoff makes the cost and anxiety worth it. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 29 Sep. 2026

We’re told there’s some troubling family history in their background that might have led to their estrangement, though it’s not really shown. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026

During 21 years with Safeway, Stapleton advanced from clerk to produce manager, assistant manager and store manager, becoming the company’s first Black store manager, according to his family history. — Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2026

Rhymes for family history

• consistory
• ethnohistory
• mystery