oral history

noun

Updated on: 17 Apr 2018

Definition of oral history

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

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oral historian

noun

See oral history defined for English-language learners

Examples of oral history in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of oral history from the Web

In the way of oral history there were no names, no dates.

— The Economist, "Louie Kamookak died on March 22nd," 12 Apr. 2018
Olivia’s material culture is secure—with many original albums still shrink-wrapped— but full oral histories and narrative memoirs are needed to pass along this torch of music activism.

— bonnie j. morris, Smithsonian, "How Should We Archive the Soundtrack to 1970s Feminism?," 30 Mar. 2018
Calvert Island is also of profound importance to the Heiltsuk: Housty said there are burial sites and ancient villages on the land, and oral histories tell of a long Heiltsuk presence there.

— author: sarah kaplan, Anchorage Daily News, "The oldest footprints in North America are right where Native historians said they should be," 30 Mar. 2018
Drawing on the oral histories of current residents, the film celebrates a unique and vibrant culture.

— peter keough, BostonGlobe.com, "Films to see on a Wim," 29 Mar. 2018
There will be another oral history collection at Park Central on April 7.

— annika cline, azcentral, "Buried treasure: Trove of Park Central Mall artifacts provides glimpse into Phoenix past," 16 Mar. 2018
D'Amato's winning entries included The Making of Erin Hills: The complete story (projects) and The Ice Bowl, 50 years later: An oral history of the Packers-Cowboys 1967 Championship Game (features).

— jeff maillet, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Journal Sentinel earns seven top-10 awards in Associated Press Sports Editors national contest," 1 Mar. 2018
Vulture has put together an oral history of Bob Costas having pink eye at the Sochi Olympics in 2014.

— aubrey nagle, Philly.com, "New Pa. congressional map revealed, warmer weather sneaks in, Old City building 'total loss' after fire | Morning Newsletter," 20 Feb. 2018
Alex Belth has a great oral history of the late sports magazine, Inside Sports.

— richard deitsch, SI.com, "Media Circus: Inside the Making of ESPN's Upcoming 30 for 30 on Bill Belichick and Bill Parcells," 28 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'oral history.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of oral history

1950

ORAL HISTORY Defined for English Language Learners

oral history

noun

Definition of oral history for English Language Learners

: recorded information about the past that you get from talking to people about their experiences, families, etc.
: a book, article, etc., that is based on oral history