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

Behind the scenes, Chicago historian and media personality Studs Terkel played an integral role, acting as a guide for Mitchell. — Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026

To do that, the initiative and its Missouri partners are looking for help from historians, genealogists, archivists and community organizations and members who have information about the boys who died there. — Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 28 Oct. 2026

Most historians blame Mao's policies for tens of millions of deaths through famine and politically motivated persecution. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2026

At a time when conflict in the Middle East is again touching lives around the world, the British historian has delivered a sweeping and energetic account of the region’s turbulent last 125 years. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 27 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for historian

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

Kids Definition

historian

noun

his·​to·​ri·​an his-ˈtōr-ē-ən 

-ˈtȯr-, 

-ˈtär-

: a student or writer of history