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

After the war, his memory would be honored by the publication of his diaries. —Suzanne Cope july 3, Literary Hub, 3 July 2025

But her diaries paint a picture of someone still battling — this time not in court, but in her own home. —Christina Coulter, People.com, 2 July 2025

Gertrude Harten, a German internee from Ecuador, wrote in her diary that two U.S. soldiers with rifles knocked on her door in Cuenca, Ecuador, and apprehended her husband, Wolfgang Harten, in December 1943. —Joann Deluna, NPR, 30 June 2025

What started as a stitched travel diary became a daily practice that has lasted a decade. —Lois Alter Mark, Forbes.com, 29 June 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