historian

noun

his·​to·​ri·​an hi-ˈstȯr-ē-ən 

-ˈstär-

1

: a student or writer of history

especially : one who produces a scholarly synthesis

2

: a writer or compiler of a chronicle

Synonyms of historian

• chronicler

Examples of historian in a Sentence

historians are still trying to sort out fact from fiction in the story of Kateri Tekakwitha, the Lily of the Mohawks

Recent Examples on the Web

In his only interview about Rough and Rowdy Ways, with historian Douglas Brinkley for the New York Times, Dylan hinted at his concerns, aspirations, and contexts. —Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026

One afternoon, historian Jerome Smith guided me through Tremé, the United States's oldest Black neighborhood and jazz's birthplace. —Sophie Morgan, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Jan. 2026

Griot is a West African term for an oral historian and storyteller, a role many saw Bullock fulfilling. —Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026

The list of new contributors includes conservative historian Niall Ferguson and Patrick McGee, who specializes in tech and China and is a contributor to Weiss’ The Free Press, which CBS-parent Paramount acquired when she was tapped to lead the news division. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 27 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for historian

• gregorian
• nestorian
• praetorian
• stentorian
• chorion
• corean
• dorian
• mauryan
• saurian
• pythagorean
• valedictorian

Kids Definition

historian

noun

his·​to·​ri·​an his-ˈtōr-ē-ən 

-ˈtȯr-, 

-ˈtär-

: a student or writer of history