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 of diary

• journal

Examples of diary in a Sentence

has diligently kept a diary since she was 15

Recent Examples on the Web

What lies ahead is a day-by-day diary of the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix as a guest of the fastest-growing team on the grid. —Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 12 June 2026

Everything in The Traveler is based on George Forster’s works, diaries and letters, and those of his ​contemporaries—friends, family and foes. —Literary Hub, 11 June 2026

But her diary stands today as one of the most widely read and extensively documented personal accounts of World War II. —Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 June 2026

Police found various firearms, ammunition, knives, diaries and maps that may have connected him to the rapes. —Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 9 June 2026

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

Rhymes for diary

• fiery
• friary
• priory

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