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
After all, in terms of reach, Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism have all been larger and longer-lasting than any state in history.
—
Henry A. Kissinger, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2024
With one home game remaining against Big 12 cellar dweller OSU on Nov. 29, the atmosphere this fall has been among the greatest, if not the greatest, in the stadium’s 101-year history.
—Kyle Newman, The Denver Post, 16 Nov. 2024
The decision by Price’s office to file charges in Monk’s death came just days after a landslide election that saw Price become the first district attorney in the county’s history to be recalled from office.
—Jakob Rodgers, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
The Golden State Valkyries secured 20,000 deposits for season tickets, the most ever for a debuting women’s sports team in U.S. history.
—Melvin Backman, Quartz, 15 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for history 
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Henry A. Kissinger, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2024
With one home game remaining against Big 12 cellar dweller OSU on Nov. 29, the atmosphere this fall has been among the greatest, if not the greatest, in the stadium’s 101-year history.
—Kyle Newman, The Denver Post, 16 Nov. 2024
The decision by Price’s office to file charges in Monk’s death came just days after a landslide election that saw Price become the first district attorney in the county’s history to be recalled from office.
—Jakob Rodgers, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
The Golden State Valkyries secured 20,000 deposits for season tickets, the most ever for a debuting women’s sports team in U.S. history.
—Melvin Backman, Quartz, 15 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 3 Dec. 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
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