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journal

n. · v.
US //ˈdʒɝnəɫ// UK //dʒˈɜːnəl// jour·nal
  1. 1 academic/professional magazine (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Academic

    a serious magazine or newspaper that focuses on a specific subject, like science or medicine.

    a periodical publication containing articles and reports on a particular subject or professional field.

    Example

    The professor published her latest research in a famous medical journal.

    Example

    The university library provides digital access to thousands of peer-reviewed journals across various scientific disciplines.

    Usage

    Often used with 'academic', 'medical', or 'scientific'.
  2. 2 personal diary (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a book where you write down your daily thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

    a daily record of news and events of a personal nature; a diary.

    Example

    She kept a travel journal during her three-month trip across Europe.

    Example

    Writing in a personal journal can be a therapeutic way to process complex emotions and track personal growth over time.
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  1. 3 accounting record (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Formal Law

    a book or file used to record business transactions in the order they happen.

    a book of original entry in which business transactions are recorded chronologically.

    Example

    The accountant entered the sales tax into the general journal.

    Example

    The auditor requested the sales journal to verify that all receipts had been documented according to standard accounting practices.
  2. 4 computing log (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    a record of changes made to a computer system or database.

    a chronological record of operations or changes made to a system, used for recovery or auditing.

    Example

    The system administrator checked the journal to see why the database crashed.

    Example

    The file system uses a journal to track changes before they are committed, ensuring data integrity in the event of a power failure.
  3. 5 to write in a diary (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    to write down your thoughts or experiences in a book on a regular basis.

    to keep a personal record of occurrences, experiences, or reflections.

    Example

    He started journaling every morning to help manage his stress.

    Example

    Many wellness experts suggest journaling as a daily habit to improve mental clarity and focus.
Etymology 1

From Middle English journal, from Anglo-Norman jurnal (“daily”), from Old French jornel (“day”) (whence modern French journal), from Latin diurnālis, from diurnus (“of the day”). Doublet of diurnal and the journal from French.

Etymology 2

From French journal. Doublet of diurnal and the journal from Middle English.

Etymology 3

Unknown, apparently of Scots origin. Perhaps from chirnel, from English kernel (“lump in the flesh”), owing to resemblance in shape.

Word family

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