# journal

/ˈdʒɝnəɫ/ (US) · /dʒˈɜːnəl/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. academic/professional magazine

noun · CEFR B1 · Academic

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

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

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

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- She kept a travel journal during her three-month trip across Europe.
- Writing in a personal journal can be a therapeutic way to process complex emotions and track personal growth over time.

### 3. accounting record

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical · Formal

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

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

- The accountant entered the sales tax into the general journal.
- The auditor requested the sales journal to verify that all receipts had been documented according to standard accounting practices.

### 4. computing log

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

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

- The system administrator checked the journal to see why the database crashed.
- The file system uses a journal to track changes before they are committed, ensuring data integrity in the event of a power failure.

### 5. to write in a diary

verb · CEFR B2 · Informal

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

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

- He started journaling every morning to help manage his stress.
- Many wellness experts suggest journaling as a daily habit to improve mental clarity and focus.

## Examples

- She writes in her journal every night before bed.
- The researcher published her findings in a peer-reviewed medical journal to share the data with other experts.
- While his public speeches were carefully polished, his private journal revealed a man deeply conflicted about the political direction of the country.

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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.