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

Pfendler's video diaries explained the logistics of her passage and survival on the ocean. — ABC News, 4 July 2026

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

Later that day, Collin alleged on his Instagram Stories that his mom wrote about physically abusing him in her diary. — Rebecca Aizin, PEOPLE, 2 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

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