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

Based on Etty Hillesum’s diaries, the show stars Julia Windischbauer, Sebastian Koch, Leopold Witte, Gijs Naber and Claire Bender. —Marta Balaga, Variety, 23 Mar. 2026

No arrests were made, but the agents seized cash, records detailing wagers, and ledgers and diaries with betting information. —Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2026

The diary was published in our pages just as Tad hit his hundredth birthday, on December 17th. —David Remnick, New Yorker, 20 Mar. 2026

Inspired by the two authors' real-life childhood diaries, the show explores every stage of womanhood from growing up to getting older and laughing all the way. —Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 17 Mar. 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