alternative history

American  

[awl-tur-nuh-tiv his-tuh-ree, his-tree, al-tur-] / ɔlˈtɜr nə tɪv ˈhɪs tə ri, ˈhɪs tri, ælˈtɜr- /

noun

1. history that is based on an unconventional or nontraditional interpretation of an event or events.

   Charting a hitherto untold story with historical and contemporary implications, these essays present a compelling alternative history of theatrical practice in the UK.

2. alternate history.

   She writes alternative history that is detailed and hard to resist.

   The book is a supernatural alternative history.

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alternative history British  

noun

1. a genre of fiction in which the author speculates on how the course of history might have been altered if a particular historical event had had a different outcome

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Etymology

Origin of alternative history

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

They include Atomfall, the survival game set in an alternative history version of the Lake District, as well as Mafia: The Old Country and Powerwash Simulator 2 - both developed in Brighton.

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026

This foundational work of alternative history begins with Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 1933 assassination, just after his inauguration.

From Salon • May 17, 2025

Fans have flocked to Netflix events centered around its most popular titles, including “Bridgerton,” with some fans dressing up for balls that resemble the ones depicted in the Regency-era alternative history romance series.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 19, 2024

The Hotline loves alternative history — as noted on the podcast, I could ride the wormhole all the way back to the South winning Gettysburg.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 18, 2024

I watched this alternative history spiral out in flashes and blips and bit my lip.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin