anecdote
Americannoun
plural
anecdotes, anecdota-
a short account of a particular incident or event, especially of an interesting or amusing nature.
-
a short, obscure historical or biographical account.
noun
Other Word Forms
- anecdotalist noun
- anecdotic adjective
Etymology
Origin of anecdote
First recorded in 1670–80; from New Latin anecdota or French anecdotes, from Late Greek, Greek anékdota “things unpublished” (referring particularly to Procopius's unpublished memoirs of Justinian and Theodora), neuter plural of anékdotos, equivalent to an- an- 1 + ékdotos “given out,” adjective derivative of ekdidónai “to give out, publish” ( ek- ec- + didónai “to give”)
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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.
But it presented me with a unique research problem, for no anecdote from PARC’s rich history is burdened by so much contradictory testimony.
From Los Angeles Times
Rosenior has come across as respectful and patient, and impressed in work with Chelsea's charitable foundation, according to multiple anecdotes from staff inside the club.
From BBC
Commentators fill the resulting hours of dead air with personal anecdotes, weaving a charming one-sided conversation through the occasional interruption of athletics.
From Salon
I share this anecdote with Ambrose and she dives right in, “You helped spread awareness and break down the stigma,” she says, with some gratitude I wasn’t expecting.
From Los Angeles Times
Executives say Buffett, who infused his letters with his wit and personal anecdotes that often veered from the requisite review of Berkshire’s operations, elevated a dreary convention of corporate America and set a new standard.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
