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
As classic cars prepare to roll onto the Mother Road and communities across eight states launch centennial celebrations, organizers hope the milestone serves not only as a tribute to history but as a call to preserve what comes next.
—
Daily News, 9 June 2026
New York — One of the biggest mysteries of the global economy is why the oil market has remained so calm during one of the greatest supply shocks in history.
—Matt Egan, CNN Money, 9 June 2026
The New York Knicks, led by star point guard Jalen Brunson, look to extend their lead to 3-0 against the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night and effectively put the championship series to bed (In the history of the NBA Finals, no team has ever surmounted a 3-0 comeback).
—Jack Dunn, Variety, 9 June 2026
Five Hundred Years of Religion in America means this is not just another history going back to 1776, and this is not a book that equates religion with Christianity.
—Literary Hub, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for history
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Daily News, 9 June 2026
New York — One of the biggest mysteries of the global economy is why the oil market has remained so calm during one of the greatest supply shocks in history.
—Matt Egan, CNN Money, 9 June 2026
The New York Knicks, led by star point guard Jalen Brunson, look to extend their lead to 3-0 against the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night and effectively put the championship series to bed (In the history of the NBA Finals, no team has ever surmounted a 3-0 comeback).
—Jack Dunn, Variety, 9 June 2026
Five Hundred Years of Religion in America means this is not just another history going back to 1776, and this is not a book that equates religion with Christianity.
—Literary Hub, 9 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 12 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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