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

• oral historian
  noun

Etymology

Origin of oral history

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

oral history

“I had to steer the plane exactly as I wanted the picture taken,” Dallin said in a 1969 oral history about his work.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 14, 2026

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

With a gallery space split between a dance studio and a film editing room, the exhibition weaves elements of choreography, documentary, oral history and ritual.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 1, 2026

Inside one of the oldest barbershops in Boyle Heights, Rodney Trammell gave an oral history of Brooklyn Avenue before it was renamed after civil rights leader Cesar E. Chavez.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 21, 2026

But they have a rich oral history filled with stories about their past that continues to this day.

From "Shipwrecked!" by Martin W. Sandler