historian

noun

his·​to·​ri·​an hi-ˈstȯr-ē-ən How to pronounce historian (audio)
-ˈstär-
Synonyms of historiannext
1
: a student or writer of history
especially : one who produces a scholarly synthesis
2
: a writer or compiler of a chronicle

Synonyms of historian

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Examples of historian in a Sentence

historians are still trying to sort out fact from fiction in the story of Kateri Tekakwitha, the Lily of the Mohawks
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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That’s how Wagner found Daniel Paul, an architectural historian who researched and documented the 38-foot-tall cupola-style structure built in 1960 by Van Tassel, who ascribed it miraculous powers including antigravity, rejuvenation and time travel. — Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026 This moment troubles me not only as a historian, but also as a longtime mentor for college-age student-athletes. — Emily Harrison, STAT, 31 Aug. 2026 The tariffs are notorious among economists and historians for shutting down world commerce and making the Great Depression worse. — Paul Wiseman, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026 For many cinephiles, film historians, and critics, Italian cinema is modern cinema. — Erik Morse, Vogue, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for historian

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of historian was in the 15th century

Rhymes for historian

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Browse Nearby Words

histoplasmosis
historian
historiated
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Cite this Entry

“Historian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/historian. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

historian

noun
his·​to·​ri·​an his-ˈtōr-ē-ən How to pronounce historian (audio)
-ˈtȯr-, 
-ˈtär-
: a student or writer of history
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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