historian

noun

his·​to·​ri·​an hi-ˈstȯr-ē-ən 

-ˈstär-

1

: a student or writer of history

especially : one who produces a scholarly synthesis

2

: a writer or compiler of a chronicle

Synonyms

• annalist
• chronicler

Examples of historian in a Sentence

historians are still trying to sort out fact from fiction in the story of Kateri Tekakwitha, the Lily of the Mohawks

Recent Examples on the Web

The semi-fictitious play, set during the Harlem Renaissance, sees educator and historian W.E.B. Du Bois play matchmaker for his daughter Yolande and esteemed poet Countee Cullen. —Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 17 Apr. 2025

The many benefits of nonprofit status include tax-free income on investments and tax deductions for donors, education historian Bruce Kimball told CNBC. —Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 17 Apr. 2025

Among their ranks are painters, filmmakers, photographers, choreographers, writers, poets, architects, scientists, anthropologists, engineers, historians, translators, and mathematicians. —News Desk, Artforum, 15 Apr. 2025

There are other amateur historians, advocates for the club, and committed fans. —Nick Miller, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for historian

• gregorian
• nestorian
• praetorian
• stentorian
• chorion
• corean
• dorian
• mauryan
• saurian
• pythagorean
• valedictorian

Kids Definition

historian

noun

his·​to·​ri·​an his-ˈtōr-ē-ən 

-ˈtȯr-,

-ˈtär-

: a student or writer of history