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

Visitors will see his Rough Riders uniform; the 1884 diary grieving his terrible loss; and the eyeglasses case, speech and shirt from the 1912 assassination attempt against him. — CBS News, 1 July 2026

But the mom’s parting gift, a diary, provides opaque glimpses into her life with Alfonso in the mid-1980s. — Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026

Louis had lit Bruce on fire with Claudia’s (Delainey Hayles) diary entry as a punishment for raping her. — Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026

The film also draws on video diaries shot in Rushdie’s hospital room in the days after the attack by his wife, Rachel Eliza Griffiths. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 29 June 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