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

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

From BBC • May 2, 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

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

As she prepares dinner, I try to finalize the edits to my oral history project, but Mom finishes cooking before I’m done.

From "Finding Junie Kim" by Ellen Oh