oral history

noun

1

: a recording containing information about the past obtained from in-depth interviews concerning personal experiences, recollections, and reflections

also : the study of such information

2

: a written work based on oral history

oral historian noun

Examples of oral history in a Sentence

I'm reading an oral history of the Great Depression.

Recent Examples on the Web

Gilien recalled in a 1965 oral history published by the Smithsonian. —Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 10 Feb. 2026

Michael Frith, former executive vice president and creative producer of Henson Productions, recalled Muppet steering salvos in an oral history told to Slate’s Studio360. —Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 9 Feb. 2026

Beyond poetry, this night evokes the Black tradition of oral history – passing down lessons, narratives and lived experiences through spoken word. —Anya Sesay, jsonline.com, 5 Feb. 2026

Its goal was to document the oral histories of living legends who have brought about positive change in the world and to share their stories with future generations. —Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for oral history

• ethnohistory
• consistory
• mystery