oral history

noun

1

: a recording containing information about the past obtained from in-depth interviews concerning personal experiences, recollections, and reflections

also : the study of such information

2

: a written work based on oral history

oral historian noun

Examples of oral history in a Sentence

I'm reading an oral history of the Great Depression.

Recent Examples on the Web

Scott Feinberg presents a gripping oral history of The Oscars That Survived the Pandemic — as told by dozens of first-hand observers from Anthony Fauci to Steven Soderbergh. —Maer Roshan, HollywoodReporter, 10 Mar. 2026

But the town’s proudest feature is its long tradition of storytelling, with generations of oral histories and tall tales that became the foundation for an annual festival. —Emily Cochrane, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2026

To prepare for the big night, check out Vanity Fair’s oral history of the Oscar party, in which stars like Gwyneth Paltrow and Lindsay Lohan shared their favorite memories from Vanity Fair Oscar parties of yore. —Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 5 Mar. 2026

Each person fills out an in-depth questionnaire—part oral history, part memory exercise. —Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 3 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for oral history

• ethnohistory
• consistory
• mystery