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

The mural that wraps around the room depicts the colorful life of the bar’s namesake, Arabella Huntington, the second wife of railroad magnate Collis Potter Huntington, and the cocktails in the drinks menu are playfully written as fictional entries in Arabella’s diary. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 June 2026

Mangione’s lawyers sought to bar the diary from being used as evidence at trial, arguing that it was seized illegally during a warrantless search. —Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 18 June 2026

In this travel diary, Lauder reflects on the people, places, and moments that stood out most during his latest visit to Japan. —Shivani Vora, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026

According to prosecutors, one of the USB flash drives contained a diary where Williams admitted to molesting a child starting when the boy was 7 years old. —Dan Raby, CBS News, 17 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