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
Antetokounmpo, 31, delivered the franchise's first championship in 50 years in 2021 and cemented his place among the greatest players in team history.
—
Alejandro Avila, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2026
Clive Davis, one of the most influential record moguls in music history and the mastermind behind the careers of Whitney Houston, Barry Manilow, Earth, Wind & Fire, Alicia Keys and dozens of other artists, has died at 94.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 23 June 2026
After a challenging Pitti and Milan due to the high temperatures, Paris Men’s Week takes place from June 23 to 28 against the backdrop of what could be the hottest week in France’s history.
—Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 23 June 2026
But for the lucky few superfans with a few million to spare, a far more rarefied piece of Knicks history is about to hit the auction block.
—Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for history
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Alejandro Avila, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2026
Clive Davis, one of the most influential record moguls in music history and the mastermind behind the careers of Whitney Houston, Barry Manilow, Earth, Wind & Fire, Alicia Keys and dozens of other artists, has died at 94.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 23 June 2026
After a challenging Pitti and Milan due to the high temperatures, Paris Men’s Week takes place from June 23 to 28 against the backdrop of what could be the hottest week in France’s history.
—Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 23 June 2026
But for the lucky few superfans with a few million to spare, a far more rarefied piece of Knicks history is about to hit the auction block.
—Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for history
Cite this Entry
“History.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/history. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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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