oral history

noun

1

: a recording containing information about the past obtained from in-depth interviews concerning personal experiences, recollections, and reflections

also : the study of such information

2

: a written work based on oral history

oral historian noun

Examples of oral history in a Sentence

I'm reading an oral history of the Great Depression.

Recent Examples on the Web

Harvey Frommer, a sports historian and reporter, puts the tale of that momentous game together using oral history, gathered from hundreds of interviews with players, coaches, media and spectators alike. —Sophie Hanson, StyleCaster, 9 Feb. 2025

With families more fragmented today, maintaining bonds through oral history is key. —Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025

Asked in a 2021 oral history interview for the Getty Trust about the historicizing of his oeuvre, Davis appeared to brush aside concerns regarding his legacy. —News Desk, Artforum, 6 Feb. 2025

The network was originally dubbed The Green Channel, Dolan explained in a 2013 oral history of the creation of HBO, but that soon changed as the idea evolved. —Shania Russell, EW.com, 29 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined at sense 1