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

Ottawa plans a further $87 billion tariffs in three weeks on American products like electric vehicles, fruits and vegetables, diary, beef, pork, electronics, steel and trucks. —Rob Gillies, Chicago Tribune, 6 Mar. 2025

Les Cahiers Secrets Eau de Parfum comes from the diaries of Anaïs Nin and her literary community in 1930s Paris. —Marci Robin, Allure, 27 Feb. 2025

For his parents, the diary was a precious window into Alexander’s innermost thoughts and feelings. —Faith Karimi, CNN, 23 Feb. 2025

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

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