1. 1. A usually chronological record of events, as of the life or development of a people or institution, often including an explanation of or commentary on those events: a history of the Vikings.
   2. A formal written account of related natural phenomena: a history of volcanoes.
   3. A record of a patient's medical background.
   4. An established record or pattern of behavior: an inmate with a history of substance abuse.
2. The branch of knowledge that records and analyzes past events: "History has a long-range perspective" (Elizabeth Gurley Flynn).
3. 1. The past events relating to a particular thing: The history of their rivalry is full of intrigue.
   2. The aggregate of past events or human affairs: basic tools used throughout history.
   3. An interesting past: a house with history.
   4. Something that belongs to the past: Their troubles are history now.
   5. Slang. One that is no longer worth consideration: Why should we worry about him? He's history!
4. A drama based on historical events: the histories of Shakespeare.

[Middle English histoire, from Old French, from Latin historia, from Greek historiā, from historein, to inquire, from histōr, learned man.]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.