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.
Don’t miss Back of Beyond Books, which specializes in natural history and regional titles. — Jamie Siebrase, Denver Post, 20 Aug. 2026 The series marks the first time a natural history production has captured a lion’s journey from cub life to adulthood. — Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 15 Aug. 2026 The museum is home to botanical gardens, four aviaries, an aquarium and an art gallery while also offering encounters with the wildlife, vegetation, natural history, culture, art and beauty of the Sonoran Desert. — Meredith G. White, AZCentral.com, 14 Aug. 2026 The collection was initially offered to the Natural History Museum in London and to Amgueddfa Cymru (a natural history museum in Wales) for what is said to have been an eight-figure sum. — Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 12 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for natural history

See All Rhymes for natural history

Browse Nearby Words

natural historian
natural history
natural horn
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Cite this Entry

“Natural history.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/natural%20history. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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