-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
natural history
noun
1
: a treatise on some aspect of nature
2
: the natural development of something (such as an organism or disease) over a period of time
3
: the study of natural objects especially in the field from an amateur or popular point of view
Examples of natural history in a Sentence
the natural history of bees
We went to the Natural History Museum.
Recent Examples on the Web
Native art and cultural objects were often presented in ethnographic or natural history museums, not art museums.
—Chadd Scott, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025
The show is made by the BBC Studios Natural History Unit in association with Universal Television Alternative Studio but, unlike many natural history epics, was not initially greenlit by the British broadcaster.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 2 Jan. 2025
In partnership with the Eastern Shoshone community, Lovelace and his team of researchers led field trips to show tribal members and students at local schools the natural history beneath their feet.
—Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Dec. 2024
Burke Museum is a spacious center of natural history and cultural curiosities on the University of Washington campus where visitors can see archaeologists prepare fossils and other artifacts for the displays.
—Mike Seely, New York Times, 29 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for natural history
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Word History
First Known Use
1534, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near natural history
Cite this Entry
“Natural history.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/natural%20history. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025.
Kids Definition
natural history
noun
: the study of natural objects and especially plants and animals as they live in nature from an amateur or popular point of view
Medical Definition
natural history
noun
: the natural development of something (as an organism or disease) over a period of time
increasing knowledge of the natural histories of tumors—H. S. N. Greene
More from Merriam-Webster on natural history
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share