history
noun
his·to·ry
ˈhi-st(ə-)rē 
plural histories
2
a
: a chronological record of significant events (such as those affecting a nation or institution) often including an explanation of their causes
a history of Japan
b
: a treatise presenting systematically related natural phenomena (as of geography, animals, or plants)
an illustrated history of North American birds
c
: an account of a patient's medical background
reviewing her medical history
d
: an established record
a prisoner with a history of violence
3
: a branch of knowledge that records and explains past events
medieval history
4
a
: events that form the subject matter of a history
the history of space exploration
b
: events of the past
History has shown that such efforts rarely succeed.
c
: one that is finished or done for
the winning streak was history
you're history
d
: previous treatment, handling, or experience (as of a metal)
a history of repeated exposure to freezing temperatures
Examples of history in a Sentence
I studied history in college.
a professor of medieval history
They were one of the greatest teams in history.
It was one of the most destructive storms in modern history.
It was a period in American history when most people lived and worked on farms.
The history of space exploration is a fascinating topic.
He wrote a well-known history of the British empire.
The book begins with a brief history of the Internet.
Recent Examples on the Web
According to Weinstein's lawsuit, the film producer's brother and business partners had a history of misusing company funds, including the 2016 loan from AI International.
—
Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 18 Feb. 2025
For the first time in its more than 50-year history, Southwest Airlines is facing significant layoffs.
—Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 18 Feb. 2025
Both dogs reportedly had a history, and Gunner was euthanized shortly after the attack, the outlet reported.
—Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 17 Feb. 2025
Also notable: Neither McVay nor Snead would cede any roster control to Rodgers, who has a history of bringing his friends to his new teams.
—Jourdan Rodrigue, The Athletic, 17 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for history 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 18 Feb. 2025
For the first time in its more than 50-year history, Southwest Airlines is facing significant layoffs.
—Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 18 Feb. 2025
Both dogs reportedly had a history, and Gunner was euthanized shortly after the attack, the outlet reported.
—Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 17 Feb. 2025
Also notable: Neither McVay nor Snead would cede any roster control to Rodgers, who has a history of bringing his friends to his new teams.
—Jourdan Rodrigue, The Athletic, 17 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for history
Dictionary Entries Near history
Cite this Entry
“History.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/history. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
history
noun
his·to·ry
ˈhis-t(ə-)rē
plural histories
1
: a story of real or imaginary events
2
a
: a written record of important events and their causes
b
: a branch of knowledge that records and explains past events
c
: events that form the topics of a history
Medical Definition
history
noun
his·to·ry
ˈhis-t(ə-)rē
plural histories
: an account of a patient's family and personal background and past and present health
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