oral history

American  

noun

1. information of historical or sociological importance obtained usually by tape-recorded interviews with persons whose experiences and memories are representative or whose lives have been of special significance.

2. a book, article, recording, or transcription of such information.

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oral history British  

noun

1. the memories of living people about events or social conditions which they experienced in their earlier lives taped and preserved as historical evidence

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• oral historian
  noun

Etymology

Origin of oral history

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

According to oral history passed down over the generations, Santseo was planted in the 13th Century by Komfo Nana Asumbia, a royal figure to whom we trace our lineage.

From BBC • May 2, 2026

One version of the oral history speaks of a hunter from Gomoa Asin, a royal named Inhune Akubuha.

From BBC • May 2, 2026

In an interview with the Smithsonian oral history project, she talked about the challenge of being a woman in a union dominated by Chavez and other men.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2026

“These bands were doing anthems, and they were talking directly to us,” says David Spero, a radio executive, in “Raised on Radio,” an oral history by Paul Rees.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

“It started with my oral history project,” I explain.

From "Finding Junie Kim" by Ellen Oh