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
By the first week of December, Olsson boasted seven goals in five matches, becoming the first player in WSL history to score four goals in her first five starts.
—
Megan Feringa, New York Times, 1 Apr. 2026
But there's also Tanglin Village with its smaller boutiques, Dempsey Hill with its dining scene and antique shops, and the Peranakan shophouses tucked down side streets that offer glimpses of Singapore's history.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Apr. 2026
Jones became the third defenseman in Panthers history to record three assists in a period, tying Radko Gudas (April 13, 2023) and Bryan McCabe (March 3, 2010).
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2026
After suffering the largest loss in franchise history Sunday at Toronto (a 52-point drubbing), Magic coach Jamahl Mosley wanted his team to throw the first punch Tuesday night against the Suns at Kia Center.
—Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for history
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Megan Feringa, New York Times, 1 Apr. 2026
But there's also Tanglin Village with its smaller boutiques, Dempsey Hill with its dining scene and antique shops, and the Peranakan shophouses tucked down side streets that offer glimpses of Singapore's history.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Apr. 2026
Jones became the third defenseman in Panthers history to record three assists in a period, tying Radko Gudas (April 13, 2023) and Bryan McCabe (March 3, 2010).
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2026
After suffering the largest loss in franchise history Sunday at Toronto (a 52-point drubbing), Magic coach Jamahl Mosley wanted his team to throw the first punch Tuesday night against the Suns at Kia Center.
—Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Apr. 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 2 Apr. 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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