# history

/ˈhɪstɝi/ (US) · /hˈɪstəɹˌi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/history
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. academic subject

noun · CEFR A1

the study of past events, especially as a subject in school or university.

For teachers: the academic discipline that examines and interprets past events through the analysis of records and evidence.

- She decided to study history because she was fascinated by the French Revolution.
- The university's history department recently published a groundbreaking study on the economic impact of the industrial revolution in northern England.

### 2. the past in general

noun · CEFR A2

all the things that happened in the past.

For teachers: the aggregate of past events or the period of time before the present.

- This old building has a long and interesting history.
- Throughout history, human civilisations have consistently settled near reliable water sources to ensure agricultural stability.

### 3. medical record

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

a record of the illnesses or medical conditions you or your family have had.

For teachers: a chronological record of a patient's past and current medical conditions, treatments, and family health patterns.

- The doctor asked if there was a history of heart disease in my family.
- Before prescribing the new medication, the specialist carefully reviewed the patient's clinical history to check for potential drug interactions.

### 4. browser/computing record

noun · CEFR B1

a list of the websites you have visited on your computer or phone.

For teachers: a digital log of previously visited web pages or user actions within an application.

- I forgot the name of the shop, so I checked my browser history to find the link.
- Privacy advocates recommend regularly clearing your search history to prevent third-party trackers from building a detailed profile of your interests.

### 5. finished or irrelevant

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

something or someone that is no longer important or no longer exists.

For teachers: a person or thing that is no longer relevant, influential, or in existence.

- If he fails this exam, his career at this company is history.
- Once the new technology was released, the older models became history almost overnight as consumers flocked to the more efficient version.

### 6. shared past

noun · CEFR B2

a period of time where two people or groups have known each other.

For teachers: a shared background of interaction or experience between two or more parties.

- The two countries have a complicated history of both war and trade.
- Despite their current rivalry, the two CEOs have a long history of collaboration dating back to their early days at the same startup.

## Examples

- I enjoy reading about the history of ancient Rome.
- The doctor reviewed the patient's medical history before deciding on a treatment plan.
- Historians often debate whether history is shaped more by the actions of powerful individuals or by broader social and economic forces.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.