history
noun
his·to·ry
ˈhi-st(ə-)rē 
plural histories
2
a
: a chronological record of significant events (such as those affecting a nation or institution) often including an explanation of their causes
a history of Japan
b
: a treatise presenting systematically related natural phenomena (as of geography, animals, or plants)
an illustrated history of North American birds
c
: an account of a patient's medical background
reviewing her medical history
d
: an established record
a prisoner with a history of violence
3
: a branch of knowledge that records and explains past events
medieval history
4
a
: events that form the subject matter of a history
the history of space exploration
b
: events of the past
History has shown that such efforts rarely succeed.
c
: one that is finished or done for
the winning streak was history
you're history
d
: previous treatment, handling, or experience (as of a metal)
a history of repeated exposure to freezing temperatures
Examples of history in a Sentence
I studied history in college.
a professor of medieval history
They were one of the greatest teams in history.
It was one of the most destructive storms in modern history.
It was a period in American history when most people lived and worked on farms.
The history of space exploration is a fascinating topic.
He wrote a well-known history of the British empire.
The book begins with a brief history of the Internet.
Recent Examples on the Web
This says the Lakers must have one of the worst head coaching jobs in the history of organized basketball.
—
Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2024
In this rambling speech in a city many still associate with one of the most violent anti-government standoffs in modern American history, Trump underlined his intent to harness the full power of the government upon his return to the White House.
—Jon D. Michaels, Foreign Affairs, 10 June 2024
Related article Evidence of surgical tumor removal in ancient Egyptian skull is ‘milestone in the history of medicine’
Researchers in the same field who were not involved with the work widely praised the finding.
—Jacopo Prisco, CNN, 10 June 2024
In the New York state courts, a probation officer, social worker, or psychologist usually interviews a defendant convicted of a crime to better access their personal and criminal history before preparing a presentence report for the judge overseeing the case.
—Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 10 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for history 
Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2024
In this rambling speech in a city many still associate with one of the most violent anti-government standoffs in modern American history, Trump underlined his intent to harness the full power of the government upon his return to the White House.
—Jon D. Michaels, Foreign Affairs, 10 June 2024
Related article Evidence of surgical tumor removal in ancient Egyptian skull is ‘milestone in the history of medicine’
Researchers in the same field who were not involved with the work widely praised the finding.
—Jacopo Prisco, CNN, 10 June 2024
In the New York state courts, a probation officer, social worker, or psychologist usually interviews a defendant convicted of a crime to better access their personal and criminal history before preparing a presentence report for the judge overseeing the case.
—Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 10 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for history
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'history.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near history
Cite this Entry
“History.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/history. Accessed 16 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
history
noun
his·to·ry
ˈhis-t(ə-)rē
plural histories
1
: a story of real or imaginary events
2
a
: a written record of important events and their causes
b
: a branch of knowledge that records and explains past events
c
: events that form the topics of a history
Medical Definition
history
noun
his·to·ry
ˈhis-t(ə-)rē
plural histories
: an account of a patient's family and personal background and past and present health
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share