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

Frank, of course, is best known as the author of a diary depicting her family’s life while hiding from the Nazis in an Amsterdam attic. — Frank Digiacomo, Rolling Stone, 7 July 2026

Today, our diaries exist as a constant stream—clicked, posted, forgotten—submerged in an ever-expanding digital archive that almost no one revisits. — Derek C. Blasberg, Vanity Fair, 7 July 2026

Salort-Pons draws on the research of art historian Enriqueta Harris, who published in 1970 the diaries of Cassiano dal Pozzo, an art collector and patron who was also Barberini’s secretary and accompanied the cardinal on his visit. — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 6 July 2026

Pfendler's video diaries explained the logistics of her passage and survival on the ocean. — ABC News, 4 July 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