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
Prosecutors highlighted Moncada’s immigration history and criminal background, including prior arrests for driving under the influence and unauthorized use of a vehicle, noting he had been released into the country by the Biden administration despite his status.
—
Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 14 Jan. 2026
Based on his history, King faces up to the statutory maximum of 40 years in prison if convicted of murder.
—Tom Olsen, Twin Cities, 14 Jan. 2026
Their stories remind me of how violence is baked into the history and culture of the Delta and manifests itself in the prison population.
—Literary Hub, 14 Jan. 2026
The Lightning have a 10-game winning streak for the fourth time in team history and the first time since a franchise-record 11-game streak in February 2020.
—CBS News, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for history
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 14 Jan. 2026
Based on his history, King faces up to the statutory maximum of 40 years in prison if convicted of murder.
—Tom Olsen, Twin Cities, 14 Jan. 2026
Their stories remind me of how violence is baked into the history and culture of the Delta and manifests itself in the prison population.
—Literary Hub, 14 Jan. 2026
The Lightning have a 10-game winning streak for the fourth time in team history and the first time since a franchise-record 11-game streak in February 2020.
—CBS News, 13 Jan. 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 15 Jan. 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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