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

McCord narrates snippets from the diary, which visitors may listen to on headphones. —Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026

Yet perhaps even more striking than the pictures are the words taken from prisoners’ letters, diaries, and memoirs. —Drew Gilpin Faust, The Atlantic, 8 Feb. 2026

Daniel will also be writing a daily diary for The Courant starting Monday. —Lori Riley, Hartford Courant, 8 Feb. 2026

Let’s start this diary on Wednesday night. —Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 6 Feb. 2026

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