oral history

noun

1

: a recording containing information about the past obtained from in-depth interviews concerning personal experiences, recollections, and reflections

also : the study of such information

2

: a written work based on oral history

oral historian noun

Examples of oral history in a Sentence

I'm reading an oral history of the Great Depression.

Recent Examples on the Web

Inspired by Kiss of the Spider Woman, Pedro Páramo, Voodoo Macbeth, the book at its own center and the woman who created it, oral histories, and many more texts, images, and influences, Justin Torres’s Blackouts is a work of fiction that sees through the inventions of history and narrative. —Sarah Yang, Sunset Magazine, 17 June 2024

This includes family photos and records, oral histories and information about the various houses and businesses that were built by the United Verde Copper Company with the intention of making Clarkdale a model company town. —Lacey Latch, The Arizona Republic, 24 Apr. 2024

The long-awaited, 304-page oral history is drawn from work started by late Detroit author Ben Edmonds and completed by writers Brad Tolinski and Jaan Uhelszki. —Brian McCollum, Detroit Free Press, 22 Apr. 2024

It’s been a time of reflection for the group, who published a new oral history book in April. —Jordan Runtagh, Peoplemag, 1 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined at sense 1