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

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Also, drinking is not the only factor that increases cancer risk; so does obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and a family history of cancer. Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 28 Feb. 2025 Justin Theroux is delving into the darker corners of his family history. Raven Brunner, People.com, 28 Feb. 2025 Valuing family history and cherished collections, MacPhail and her studio meld a mix of styles to create spaces that are at once personal and memorable. Dan Howarth, Architectural Digest, 25 Feb. 2025 The film is a sort of buddy comedy, which serves as a stark juxtaposition against the backdrop of dark family history and genocide. Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for family history

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Cite this Entry

“Family history.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/family%20history. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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