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

Over a million people from around the world travel to Amsterdam each year to see the house where Anne Frank wrote her diary, now the Anne Frank House museum. —Eva Remijan-Toba, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2026

Xiao Sang sat at her desk writing in her diary. —Literary Hub, 27 Feb. 2026

Insurers may deny their requests to turn over detailed claim files, including adjusters’ field notes, mental impressions or diaries generated when investigating damage claims. —Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2026

Besides 8mm home movies and videos, there are glimpses of professional photographer Linda’s extraordinary portraits of famous musicians, and Paul’s diaries and handwritten lyric sheets. —Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 25 Feb. 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