historically

adverb

his·​tor·​i·​cal·​ly hi-ˈstȯr-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce historically (audio)
-ˈstär-
1
: in accordance with or with respect to history
a historically accurate account
2
: in the past
Historically, stagnant cities seldom have recovered …—Jane Jacobs

Examples of historically in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Some designs showed roadways through people’s homes, particularly in historically Black neighborhoods that have borne the cost of growth before. — Dj Simmons, Charlotte Observer, 4 Aug. 2026 When districts face prolonged financial crises, Black students, low-income communities and historically underfunded neighborhoods are often the first to experience school closures, staff reductions and diminished educational opportunities. — Richard Fowler, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 The university is located in a Nashville neighborhood that is also historically predominantly Black. — Jeana Fermi, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026 After a historically snow poor winter in Washington, the forests and shrublands of Spokane quickly burned as winds fanned the flames in the exact direction of suburban neighborhoods. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for historically

Word History

First Known Use

1550, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of historically was in 1550

Browse Nearby Words

historical infinitive
historically
historical materialism
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Historically.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/historically. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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