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
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.
Williams found time to read widely in prison — natural history books, Bertrand Russell, Cormac McCarthy. Joshua Kaplan, ProPublica, 4 Jan. 2025 The Americas is one of a number of recent natural history epics to draw A-list talent, with the likes of Paul Rudd and Benedict Cumberbatch also getting in on the act of late. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 2 Jan. 2025 Housed inside a neo-classical style 1939 building, the museum’s collection features Native American artifacts, natural history exhibits, and original works by local artists. Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 14 Dec. 2024 Exhibits focus on the interpretation of local natural history, conservation and ecology. Gary Stoller, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for natural history 

Word History

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of natural history was in 1534

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 16 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 tumorsH. S. N. Greene

More from Merriam-Webster on natural history

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