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

Carter wrote books about his life and beliefs, as did other writers and historians who re-examined his impact. —Brittney Melton, NPR, 30 Dec. 2024

After his landslide defeat at the hands of former actor and California Gov. Ronald Reagan, the adversarial pack dismissed Carter’s presidency as a failure, and many historians followed their lead. —Amber Roessner / Made By History, TIME, 29 Dec. 2024

The outlet, which cites military historian J. Michael Wenger, said 87,000 military personnel were on Oahu on Dec. 7, 1941, and only 15 are still alive following Upton's death. —Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 28 Dec. 2024

Suarez is a veteran broadcaster, historian, and former correspondent for PBS NewsHour. —Edward Segal, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

historian

noun

his·​to·​ri·​an his-ˈtōr-ē-ən 

-ˈtȯr-,

-ˈtär-

: a student or writer of history