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

• journal

Examples of diary in a Sentence

has diligently kept a diary since she was 15

Recent Examples on the Web

Bunny was the one who owned two copies of the writing diaries of Virginia Woolf. —Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2025

Filled with memories and untold scenes, the book acts as Lennox’s diary of her trailblazing life in the spotlight. —Christian Allaire, Vogue, 23 Sep. 2025

The diary takes in all the tittle tattle, including rumors around a Paramount bid for ITV, a re-up of The Crown EP Andy Harries’ Sony contract and a heroic Channel 4 comms chief swooping in to save the day after hacks were locked out of the traditional King’s College banquet. —Max Goldbart, Deadline, 19 Sep. 2025

The former photographer from Rochester, New York, was arrested in 2010 after police found a diary listing unnamed women, explicit photographs and other evidence. —Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025

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