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 of diary

• journal

Examples of diary in a Sentence

has diligently kept a diary since she was 15

Recent Examples on the Web

Bridget chronicles her juggling act between two love interests, Mark and her boss Daniel Cleaver (Grant), in her diary. —Andrea Wurzburger, PEOPLE, 29 Nov. 2025

Still, some people won’t give up a good old-fashioned diary for keeping track of their plans. —Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2025

Because these diaries cover both weekdays and weekends, and include information about whether respondents could work remotely, this survey offers the most detailed picture available of how the rhythms of work and life are changing. —Christos Makridis, Fortune, 17 Nov. 2025

On one hand, the records that remain are voluminous, and diaries and letters declare all manner of other nontraditional behavior. —Jane Borden, Rolling Stone, 15 Nov. 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