history
noun
his·to·ry
ˈhi-st(ə-)rē 
plural histories
2
a
: a chronological record of significant events (such as those affecting a nation or institution) often including an explanation of their causes
a history of Japan
b
: a treatise presenting systematically related natural phenomena (as of geography, animals, or plants)
an illustrated history of North American birds
c
: an account of a patient's medical background
reviewing her medical history
d
: an established record
a prisoner with a history of violence
3
: a branch of knowledge that records and explains past events
medieval history
4
a
: events that form the subject matter of a history
the history of space exploration
b
: events of the past
History has shown that such efforts rarely succeed.
c
: one that is finished or done for
the winning streak was history
you're history
d
: previous treatment, handling, or experience (as of a metal)
a history of repeated exposure to freezing temperatures
Examples of history in a Sentence
I studied history in college.
a professor of medieval history
They were one of the greatest teams in history.
It was one of the most destructive storms in modern history.
It was a period in American history when most people lived and worked on farms.
The history of space exploration is a fascinating topic.
He wrote a well-known history of the British empire.
The book begins with a brief history of the Internet.
Recent Examples on the Web
The region’s economic and social history is inseparable from its beauty, and visiting with curiosity and respect is extremely important.
—
Jenna Curcio, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Mar. 2026
The win is the 455th of Bobrovsky’s career, which breaks a tie with Curtis Joseph for the seventh-most in NHL history.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 25 Mar. 2026
Continuing under the leadership of head coach David Carle, the Pios have a chance to win the eleventh title in program history.
—Jack Lowenstein, CBS News, 25 Mar. 2026
This is a program, after all, that has won six national championships and boasts the most victories (134) and Final Four appearances (31) in NCAA tourney history.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for history
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Jenna Curcio, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Mar. 2026
The win is the 455th of Bobrovsky’s career, which breaks a tie with Curtis Joseph for the seventh-most in NHL history.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 25 Mar. 2026
Continuing under the leadership of head coach David Carle, the Pios have a chance to win the eleventh title in program history.
—Jack Lowenstein, CBS News, 25 Mar. 2026
This is a program, after all, that has won six national championships and boasts the most victories (134) and Final Four appearances (31) in NCAA tourney history.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for history
Cite this Entry
“History.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/history. Accessed 26 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
history
noun
his·to·ry
ˈhis-t(ə-)rē
plural histories
1
: a story of real or imaginary events
2
a
: a written record of important events and their causes
b
: a branch of knowledge that records and explains past events
c
: events that form the topics of a history
Medical Definition
history
noun
his·to·ry
ˈhis-t(ə-)rē
plural histories
: an account of a patient's family and personal background and past and present health
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