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

While her diary in 2025 doesn’t include any full-scale foreign tours, she is expected to appear at major royal events, including Trooping the Colour. —Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 9 Jan. 2025

Yet that night in his voice diary, Williams sounded like a man in despair. —Joshua Kaplan, ProPublica, 4 Jan. 2025

Gyeong Hong Jong's diary contained instructions -- along with sketches -- for avoiding front-line Ukrainian drones and artillery. —David Brennan, ABC News, 29 Dec. 2024

The performer put some of the money in a diary and recalled feeling like a character in a spy movie. —Michael Rothfeld, New York Times, 29 Dec. 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