history

noun

his·​to·​ry ˈhi-st(ə-)rē 

plural histories

1

: tale, story

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

Synonyms of history

• annals
• record

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

Moving over to tech, AI giant Anthropic, which is preparing for what could be the largest IPO in history, will release its third-quarter financials for the first time in a meeting with potential investors on Wednesday. — Justina Lee, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026

The Middle East has seen several significant archaeological discoveries in 2026, revealing new insights into ancient civilizations and the region’s rich history. — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2026

The fines on America's second-biggest bank amount to the third-largest in the department's history. — Arkansas Online, 14 Oct. 2026

Of late, Holloway’s inspirations have included figures from history, music stars, actors and socialites such as the Duke of Windsor, Bryan Ferry and Charlie Watts. — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English histoire, historie, from Anglo-French estoire, histoire, from Latin historia, from Greek, inquiry, history, from histōr, istōr knowing, learned; akin to Greek eidenai to know — more at wit

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing history

• ancient history
• (can) trace one's history (back) to
• case history
• checkered history
• credit history
• employment history
• family history
• go down in history
• history in the making
• history is on someone's side
• history repeats itself
• history shows/has shown
• life history
• make history
• medical history
• natural history
• oral history
• pass into history
• rewrite history
• the course of history
• the rest is history

Rhymes for history

• mystery
• consistory
• ethnohistory

Kids 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