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
How family history plays a part in language and translation.
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Literary Hub, 29 Apr. 2026
People with a family history of colon cancer cases that appeared under the age of 55 should get screened 10 years before their family member’s case appeared.
—Eva Flowe
april 28, Charlotte Observer, 28 Apr. 2026
Women with a family history or dense breast tissue might also qualify for screening with supplemental ultrasound.
—Adam Harrington, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2026
Neither of her parents have a family history of achondroplasia.
—Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for family history
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Literary Hub, 29 Apr. 2026
People with a family history of colon cancer cases that appeared under the age of 55 should get screened 10 years before their family member’s case appeared.
—Eva Flowe
april 28, Charlotte Observer, 28 Apr. 2026
Women with a family history or dense breast tissue might also qualify for screening with supplemental ultrasound.
—Adam Harrington, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2026
Neither of her parents have a family history of achondroplasia.
—Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026
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 5 May. 2026.
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