diary

noun

di·​a·​ry ˈdī-(ə-)rē How to pronounce diary (audio)
plural diaries
Synonyms of diarynext
1
: a record of events, transactions, or observations kept daily or at frequent intervals : journal
especially : a daily record of personal activities, reflections, or feelings
2
: a book intended or used for a diary

Synonyms of diary

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Examples of diary in a Sentence

has diligently kept a diary since she was 15
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.
Biographical details about her—revealed in her diaries and letters—have only recently been made public by the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. — Joan Martelli, Time, 17 Oct. 2026 Following his release from jail, Archer published his prison diaries, carried on with his charity work and wrote more novels. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 17 Oct. 2026 The store is also offering personalization services, where their artisans gold-stamp diaries, notebooks and leather styles with initials and playful motifs. — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026 But Williams, with her trademark video diaries, has distilled a vision of contemporary New York to its purest essence. — Dan Adler, Vanity Fair, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for diary

Word History

Etymology

Latin diarium, from dies day — more at deity

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of diary was in 1581

Phrases Containing diary

Rhymes for diary

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Browse Nearby Words

diarthrosis
diary
diaryl
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Cite this Entry

“Diary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diary. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

diary

noun
di·​a·​ry ˈdī-(ə-)rē How to pronounce diary (audio)
plural diaries
: a daily record especially of personal experiences and thoughts
also : a book for keeping such a record
Etymology

from Latin diarium "a record of business dealings or activities during the day," from dies "day" — related to meridian, sunday see Word History at sunday

More from Merriam-Webster on diary

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about diary

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