annals

American  

[an-lz] / ˈæn lz /

noun

(used with a plural verb)

1. a record of events, especially a yearly record, usually in chronological order.

   Synonyms:

   history, chronicles

2. historical records generally.

   the annals of war.

   Synonyms:

   history, chronicles

3. a periodical publication containing the formal reports of an organization or learned field.

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annals British  

/ ˈænəlz /

plural noun

1. yearly records of events, generally in chronological order

2. history or records of history in general

3. regular reports of the work of a society, learned body, etc

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Other Word Forms

• annalist noun
• annalistic adjective

Etymology

Origin of annals

1555–65; (< Middle French ) < Latin annālēs ( librī ) literally, yearly (books), plural of annālis continuing for a year, annual, equivalent to ann ( us ) a year + ālis -al ¹

Example Sentences

Lawrence has found a character formula viewers find appealing, and Carell’s affability sells Greg’s stumbles, even ones pulled from the annals of early aughts bro comedies.

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026

“Houston, we have a problem” may be the most famous line in the annals of spaceflight.

From Slate • Mar. 13, 2026

Franjo von Allmen may have written his name into the annals of Olympic alpine skiing, but the grounded Swiss racer said ski history was wasted on him.

From Barron's • Feb. 11, 2026

Where does this achievement stand in the annals?

From BBC • Dec. 8, 2025

History.—What is the distinction between "annals" and "history"? Ans.

From New Word-Analysis by William Swinton