diary

noun

di·​a·​ry ˈdī-(ə-)rē 

plural diaries

1

: a record of events, transactions, or observations kept daily or at frequent intervals : journal

especially : a daily record of personal activities, reflections, or feelings

2

: a book intended or used for a diary

Synonyms

• daybook
• journal

Examples of diary in a Sentence

has diligently kept a diary since she was 15

Recent Examples on the Web

However, her father Otto Frank fulfilled his daughter's wish of becoming a writer by posthumously publishing her diary chronicling their life in hiding. —Janine Henni, People.com, 25 Feb. 2025

Her strategy to surviving the circuit of events is to clear her whole diary. —Hikmat Mohammed, WWD, 20 Feb. 2025

Instead they were filled with photos, newspaper clips, diaries and other invaluable memorabilia. —Marco Della Cava, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2025

The group then tried to publicize the diary’s contents in an attempt to undermine Mr. Biden’s candidacy. —Michael S. Schmidt, New York Times, 6 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin diarium, from dies day — more at deity

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing diary

• keep a diary

Rhymes for diary

• fiery
• friary
• priory

Kids Definition

diary

noun

di·​a·​ry ˈdī-(ə-)rē 

plural diaries

: a daily record especially of personal experiences and thoughts

also : a book for keeping such a record

Etymology

from Latin diarium "a record of business dealings or activities during the day," from dies "day" — related to meridian, sunday see Word History at sunday