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
Free family history research help The Pastfinders Genealogical Society of South Lake County will have the first of three virtual sessions on its Family History Research introductory course from 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 8 via Zoom.
—
Orlando Sentinel Staff, Orlando Sentinel, 3 Jan. 2025
He was deeply influenced by the rich family history of storytelling passed down through his grandparents and later, captivated by a friend's images, developed a love of photography.
—Max Posner, NPR, 21 Dec. 2024
With a family history marked by mental illness and trauma—and now, as a parent to a neurodivergent son—I’m naturally drawn to memoirs that explore mental health, childhood trauma, and personal healing.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 20 Dec. 2024
Perhaps this will enable you to more deeply analyze and remember your family history.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for family history 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Orlando Sentinel Staff, Orlando Sentinel, 3 Jan. 2025
He was deeply influenced by the rich family history of storytelling passed down through his grandparents and later, captivated by a friend's images, developed a love of photography.
—Max Posner, NPR, 21 Dec. 2024
With a family history marked by mental illness and trauma—and now, as a parent to a neurodivergent son—I’m naturally drawn to memoirs that explore mental health, childhood trauma, and personal healing.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 20 Dec. 2024
Perhaps this will enable you to more deeply analyze and remember your family history.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for family history
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 19 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share