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

See Examples For:

alternative history

The Minions restage the most famous stunts of Harold Lloyd and Buster Keaton and provide an alternative history of how the famous Hollywoodland sign in the hills got shortened to Hollywood.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 1, 2026

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

We love plunging into hypothetical topics and alternative history, but this discussion has little meat on which we can chew.

From Seattle Times ● Apr. 27, 2024

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

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin