oral history

NOUN

spoken historical recollection

Synonyms

WEAK

firsthand account folk literature narrative history oral record survivors' account witnesses' account

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.

“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

One version of the oral history speaks of a hunter from Gomoa Asin, a royal named Inhune Akubuha.

From BBC • May 2, 2026

“I wanted to see how it works,” he said in a 2013 oral history recorded by the Computer History Museum.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 15, 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