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
Some of the recurring elements at this year’s Cannes Film Festival were coincidences, like the many scenes in which women angrily masturbated, or children bulled one of their own, or a house became a portal into generations of family history.
—
Alison Willmore, Vulture, 27 May 2025
Davis, who grew up in Fayetteville and later lived in Springdale, donated family photos and shared her family history with the museum.
—Deb Harvell, Arkansas Online, 25 May 2025
Having a good eye for collectables is embedded in Reza’s family history.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 24 May 2025
For Lau, who aspires to play softball in college and study business or law, her family history is something to be treasured.
—Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025
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.
Alison Willmore, Vulture, 27 May 2025
Davis, who grew up in Fayetteville and later lived in Springdale, donated family photos and shared her family history with the museum.
—Deb Harvell, Arkansas Online, 25 May 2025
Having a good eye for collectables is embedded in Reza’s family history.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 24 May 2025
For Lau, who aspires to play softball in college and study business or law, her family history is something to be treasured.
—Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025
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 3 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share