history
Study or record of past events
The study or story of things that happened in the past.
[someone] studies history
- She is studying world history at university.
- The book gives a detailed history of the city.
- History tells us that such conflicts are common.
- I like to read about history.
- We learn history at school.
- History is about things that happened before.
All past events collectively
Everything that has happened in the past.
in history
- Throughout history, people have sought freedom.
- This event changed the course of history.
- It was the first time in history that women could vote.
- Many wars happened in history.
- In history, people used horses to travel.
- This is an important day in history.
Past experiences or background
Information about what someone or something did in the past.
[someone] has a history of [something]
- He has a history of heart problems.
- The suspect has a long criminal history.
- Her family has a history of working in education.
- I have a history of allergies.
- He has a criminal history.
- My family has a history of teachers.
- Base: history
- Plural: histories, history
a piece of history
1Object or event from the past with value
Something from the past that is important or interesting.
- Owning this old letter is like holding a piece of history.
- That building is a piece of history in our town.
the rest is history
1Outcome after an event is obvious or famous
Used to say that everyone knows what happened after something started.
- They met at college, and the rest is history.
- He started his own business, and the rest is history.
go down in history
1Be remembered in history
To be remembered as an important person or event in the past.
- The day will go down in history as one of the greatest victories.
- His speech will go down in history for its powerful message.
go down in history
2Be remembered as historically important
To be remembered as an important person or event in the future.
- This day will go down in history as a turning point.
- The speech went down in history for its powerful message.
history repeats itself
1Past events happen again
Things that happened before often happen again in a similar way.
- They say history repeats itself when people make the same mistakes as in the past.
- Wars show that history repeats itself.
history repeats itself
2Similar events recur over time
The same kinds of events happen again and again over time.
- Some say history repeats itself in politics.
- History repeats itself when lessons are not learned.
make history
1Do something memorable for history
To do something very important that people will remember in the future.
- She made history by becoming the first woman to win the award.
- The team made history with their record-breaking victory.
make history
2Do something historic or unprecedented
To do something important that will be remembered in the future.
- The team made history by winning the championship for the first time.
- She made history as the first woman to lead the company.