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

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

He described the period of new cable construction in America in the late 1970s and early 1980s in “Tinderbox,” an HBO oral history.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 16, 2026

The oral history includes McCartney’s defense of that track: “The truth is, it was catchy.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 27, 2026

He wanted to throw a Mess Night that would worm its way into the oral history of the Marine Corps.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy