history
noun
his·to·ry
ˈhi-st(ə-)rē 
plural histories
2
a
: a chronological record of significant events (such as those affecting a nation or institution) often including an explanation of their causes
a history of Japan
b
: a treatise presenting systematically related natural phenomena (as of geography, animals, or plants)
an illustrated history of North American birds
c
: an account of a patient's medical background
reviewing her medical history
d
: an established record
a prisoner with a history of violence
3
: a branch of knowledge that records and explains past events
medieval history
4
a
: events that form the subject matter of a history
the history of space exploration
b
: events of the past
History has shown that such efforts rarely succeed.
c
: one that is finished or done for
the winning streak was history
you're history
d
: previous treatment, handling, or experience (as of a metal)
a history of repeated exposure to freezing temperatures
Examples of history in a Sentence
I studied history in college.
a professor of medieval history
They were one of the greatest teams in history.
It was one of the most destructive storms in modern history.
It was a period in American history when most people lived and worked on farms.
The history of space exploration is a fascinating topic.
He wrote a well-known history of the British empire.
The book begins with a brief history of the Internet.
Recent Examples on the Web
And though that crossing wasn’t a success, her Oyster, with its gilt pink dial and octagonal case, still cemented its place in history.
—
Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 11 Nov. 2025
Kurtz made history against the Houston Astros on July 25, becoming the 20th player — and first rookie — in MLB history to hit four home runs in a single game.
—Aaron Coloma, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Nov. 2025
Let’s say undeniable bridal history combined with fashion experience.
—Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 10 Nov. 2025
Since becoming a major star in the genre circa 1990, Gill has become one of the most respected figures in the history of country music, with a long run of chart successes and accolades to back that up, including induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame back in 2007.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 10 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for history
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Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 11 Nov. 2025
Kurtz made history against the Houston Astros on July 25, becoming the 20th player — and first rookie — in MLB history to hit four home runs in a single game.
—Aaron Coloma, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Nov. 2025
Let’s say undeniable bridal history combined with fashion experience.
—Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 10 Nov. 2025
Since becoming a major star in the genre circa 1990, Gill has become one of the most respected figures in the history of country music, with a long run of chart successes and accolades to back that up, including induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame back in 2007.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 10 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for history
Cite this Entry
“History.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/history. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
history
noun
his·to·ry
ˈhis-t(ə-)rē
plural histories
1
: a story of real or imaginary events
2
a
: a written record of important events and their causes
b
: a branch of knowledge that records and explains past events
c
: events that form the topics of a history
Medical Definition
history
noun
his·to·ry
ˈhis-t(ə-)rē
plural histories
: an account of a patient's family and personal background and past and present health
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