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

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Etymology

Origin of oral history

First recorded in 1970–75

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

oral history

An oral history, based on 80 interviews, offers insight into one of the most misunderstood administrations in recent history.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 4, 2026

An oral history of Wawa, compiled by Adam Clark for NJ Advance Media, quotes him jokingly reflecting on those days in a 1995 speech.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 31, 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

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

Back in the United States, Liyana’s classes had oral history assignments where they were supposed to go home and ask their oldest relatives or neighbors what the world was like long ago.

From "Habibi" by Naomi Shihab Nye

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