historian

noun

his·​to·​ri·​an hi-ˈstȯr-ē-ən How to pronounce historian (audio)
-ˈstär-
1
: a student or writer of history
especially : one who produces a scholarly synthesis
2
: a writer or compiler of a chronicle

Examples of historian in a Sentence

historians are still trying to sort out fact from fiction in the story of Kateri Tekakwitha, the Lily of the Mohawks
Recent Examples on the Web Cold War ‘crossroads’ Wolfgang Kraushaar, a German historian and political scientist who has studied the RAF, says the group was borne out of opposition to capitalism and imperialism. Sophie Tanno, CNN, 17 Mar. 2024 Today it was announced that Tina Rivers Ryan, an art historian, curator, and critic, will take on the role of editor in chief of the storied art publication. Grace Edquist, Vogue, 14 Mar. 2024 Meet the Expert Shea Oakley is an aviation historian and the executive director emeritus at the Aviation Hall of Fame and Museum of New Jersey. Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 14 Mar. 2024 In January 2020 — months before monuments had become a hot-button issue in the wake of George Floyd’s death — a group that included Kaw leaders, artists and historians began to conduct research and hold community workshops about the Sacred Red Rock. Carolina A. Miranda, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2024 The historian and younger brother of the late Princess of Wales reflects on his harrowing experience at Maidwell Hall in his new memoir, A Very Private School, exclusively excerpted by PEOPLE in this week’s issue. Michelle Tauber, Peoplemag, 13 Mar. 2024 Past winners include artists Ebony G. Patterson, Willie Cole and Amy Sherald, as well as curators and historians Valerie Cassel Oliver and Adrienne L. Childs. Tariro Mzezewa, Washington Post, 7 Mar. 2024 The sprawling press room where Oscar historians answer the media's most random questions? Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 7 Mar. 2024 Our office will continue to work with military historians, Ft. Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 4 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'historian.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of historian was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near historian

Cite this Entry

“Historian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/historian. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

historian

noun
his·​to·​ri·​an his-ˈtōr-ē-ən How to pronounce historian (audio)
-ˈtȯr-,
-ˈtär-
: a student or writer of history

More from Merriam-Webster on historian

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