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historian

American  
[hi-stawr-ee-uhn, -stohr-] / hɪˈstɔr i ən, -ˈstoʊr- /

noun

  1. an expert in history; authority on history.

  2. a writer of history; chronicler.


historian British  
/ hɪˈstɔːrɪən /

noun

  1. a person who writes or studies history, esp one who is an authority on it

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of historian

1400–50; late Middle English. See history, -an

Explanation

A historian is someone who is an authority on history. Your American History textbook was written by a historian. If you've ever taken a history class, chances are it was taught by a historian — someone who is an expert on history. You don't get to be a historian overnight; most historians have studied history for years and have a Master's or Ph.D. in history. If you want an informed opinion on past elections, wars, disasters, and trends, talk to a historian or read a book by one. Historians are experts on the past.

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The free exercise of this invaluable privilege should always be conceded to the HISTORIAN, or where will posterity look for impartial information?

From Secret History of the Court of England, from the Accession of George the Third to the Death of George the Fourth, Volume I (of 2) Including, Among Other Important Matters, Full Particulars of the Mysterious Death of the Princess Charlotte by Hamilton, Lady Anne

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