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

The diary of a water sommelier. —Literary Hub, 7 Jan. 2026

After attending a levee in December 1790, Senator William Maclay of Pennsylvania confessed to his diary the hope that Washington might just die. —Jake Lundberg, The Atlantic, 7 Jan. 2026

Queen Camilla and Schloss connected in January 2022 at a reception hosted by the Anne Frank Trust to commemorate Holocaust Memorial and the 75th anniversary of the publication of Anne Frank’s diary. —Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 5 Jan. 2026

It was done in two years, as a result of having this entire team — even though the process was much like writing in some ways, with primary sources, letters and diaries being the favorite things to use. —Greg Carannante, Sun Sentinel, 4 Jan. 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