diary

noun

di·​a·​ry ˈdī-(ə-)rē 

plural diaries

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

• journal

Examples of diary in a Sentence

has diligently kept a diary since she was 15

Recent Examples on the Web

Using letters, diaries, and journals, Bell-Scott shows how their intellectual partnership blossomed. — Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026

The film follows a boy who rebuilds his late mother from her texts, voice and diary, and what wakes up never gives an order. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2026

Literary Agency, Germany The debut novel explores family grief and trauma, generational friction, and memory through a narrative puzzle emerging from diaries and testimonies. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 27 Sep. 2026

The film, which premiered at Visions du Réel, journeys into the past through the director’s diaries and family photographs. — Ed Meza, Variety, 26 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin diarium, from dies day — more at deity

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing diary

• keep a diary

Rhymes for diary

• fiery
• friary
• priory

Kids Definition

diary

noun

di·​a·​ry ˈdī-(ə-)rē 

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