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

A year later, SS-GB envisaged what might have happened if Germany had won the Battle of Britain - beating Robert Harris to the concept of an alternative history novel by 20 years.

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2026

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

From Salon • May 17, 2025

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

Enrigue’s mordantly funny take on a culture clash that changed the world is less historical fiction and more alternative history.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 29, 2023

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

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin