diary

noun

di·​a·​ry ˈdī-(ə-)rē 

plural diaries

1

: a record of events, transactions, or observations kept daily or at frequent intervals : journal

especially : a daily record of personal activities, reflections, or feelings

2

: a book intended or used for a diary

Synonyms

• journal

Examples of diary in a Sentence

has diligently kept a diary since she was 15

Recent Examples on the Web

Drawing from her private diaries and thousands of analog photographs, the director charts Jarcovjáková’s life from the dissident art circles of communist Czechoslovakia to high-fashion shoots in Tokyo. —Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 11 Aug. 2025

The film was created from her private diaries and thousands of analog photographs, depicting the underground movement in 1980s Czechoslovakia as well as Jarcovjáková’s dramatic escape to West Berlin and an exclusive photo shoot in Tokyo. —Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2025

Today, our campus library, which is open to the public, houses the Southern Historical Collection that contains over 20 million items devoted to the scholarship of the American South (including diaries, photographs, letters, and literary manuscripts). —Kelly Alexander, Southern Living, 10 Aug. 2025

His photography functions as a visual diary–an existential journey through chaos, connection, and the search for peace. —Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin diarium, from dies day — more at deity

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing diary

• keep a diary

Rhymes for diary

• fiery
• friary
• priory

Kids Definition

diary

noun

di·​a·​ry ˈdī-(ə-)rē 

plural diaries

: a daily record especially of personal experiences and thoughts

also : a book for keeping such a record

Etymology

from Latin diarium "a record of business dealings or activities during the day," from dies "day" — related to meridian, sunday see Word History at sunday