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

Between songs, ensemble members deliver brief monologues from individual combatants and others, drawn from letters, diaries and other documents. —Jim Higgins, Journal Sentinel, 9 Dec. 2024

But the diary of Narendra Sethia, a British supply officer on the attacking submarine, sharply contradicted the government’s account and justifications; when its contents were made public, Parliament rang with war-crimes accusations. —Sarah Larson, The New Yorker, 3 Dec. 2024

Peter Hall and Richard Eyre both left diaries that recorded suicidal thoughts. —Sarah Crompton, Vogue, 20 Nov. 2024

Parker skilfully synthesises the raw material of history – newspapers, diaries, letters – and a story emerges of a community with its own culture and language, thriving despite unjust laws and moral panics. —The Week Uk, theweek, 22 Nov. 2024

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

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