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

Pau’s videos, operating both as personal diaries and layered social commentaries, reflect a territorial condition mired in uncertainty. —Pauline J. Yao, Artforum, 2 May 2026

Newman suggests keeping a bladder diary for one to three days. —Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 1 May 2026

The literary diary is a strange form. —Literary Hub, 30 Apr. 2026

There are ways of using social media as just a private photo album or a diary, but it is designed to be public and for content to spread beyond its context. —R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 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