English Reference
noun · verb

journal

n. · v.
US /ˈdʒɝnəɫ/ UK /dʒˈɜːnəl/ jour·nal UK spelling journal's, journal's, journaled, journalled

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate Academic

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    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. 02 B1 Intermediate

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    Writing in a personal journal can be a therapeutic way to process complex emotions and track personal growth over time.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced TechnicalFormal Law

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

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

    Simple

    The accountant entered the sales tax into the general journal.

    In context

    The auditor requested the sales journal to verify that all receipts had been documented according to standard accounting practices.

    ledgerdaybook
  4. 04 C1 Advanced Technical Computing

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    The file system uses a journal to track changes before they are committed, ensuring data integrity in the event of a power failure.

  5. 05 B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

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

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

    Simple

    He started journaling every morning to help manage his stress.

    In context

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

Usage journals books · international journal · journal articles


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.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin diurnālis
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated