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
Election workers have never completed ballot counting on Election Day at any point in the country's history.
—
Rachel Barber, The Indianapolis Star, 6 Nov. 2024
The former Republican president received the 18 electoral votes that year from his Ohio victory and even made history by winning more votes in the 2020 election than any other candidate in state history, according to The Associated Press.
—Kaycee Sloan, The Enquirer, 6 Nov. 2024
Buildings on the campus have been boarded up, including the former administration building that burned Monday, and there has been a history of break-ins and fires on campus, Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon said at the scene.
—Phil Helsel, NBC News, 5 Nov. 2024
Woodland's complex personal history includes his Russian citizenship, which could further complicate his case.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for history 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Rachel Barber, The Indianapolis Star, 6 Nov. 2024
The former Republican president received the 18 electoral votes that year from his Ohio victory and even made history by winning more votes in the 2020 election than any other candidate in state history, according to The Associated Press.
—Kaycee Sloan, The Enquirer, 6 Nov. 2024
Buildings on the campus have been boarded up, including the former administration building that burned Monday, and there has been a history of break-ins and fires on campus, Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon said at the scene.
—Phil Helsel, NBC News, 5 Nov. 2024
Woodland's complex personal history includes his Russian citizenship, which could further complicate his case.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for history
Dictionary Entries Near history
Cite this Entry
“History.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/history. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share