anecdote

American  

[an-ik-doht] / ˈæn ɪkˌdoʊt /

noun

plural

anecdotes, anecdota

1. a short account of a particular incident or event, especially of an interesting or amusing nature.

2. a short, obscure historical or biographical account.

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anecdote British  

/ ˈænɪkˌdəʊt /

noun

1. a short usually amusing account of an incident, esp a personal or biographical one

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Other Word Forms

• anecdotalist noun
• anecdotic adjective

Etymology

Origin of anecdote

First recorded in 1670–80; from New Latin anecdota or French anecdotes, from Late Greek, Greek anékdota “things unpublished” (referring particularly to Procopius's unpublished memoirs of Justinian and Theodora), neuter plural of anékdotos, equivalent to an- an- ¹ + ékdotos “given out,” adjective derivative of ekdidónai “to give out, publish” ( ek- ec- + didónai “to give”)

Compare meaning

How does anecdote compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• anecdote vs. antidote

Example Sentences

At the same time, the author’s easy way with an anecdote makes reading “Advance Britannia” effortlessly pleasant.

From The Wall Street Journal

Left to talk, Jacobs whirls through stories of past, present and future: anecdotes about his grandmother planning her lunch spot around which department store she’d spend the day at, and memories of Bob Fosse films.

From Salon

That anecdote tells you a great deal about This Music May Contain Hope, a concept album about overcoming heartbreak and self-doubt and internet trolls and stupid men.

From BBC

But it presented me with a unique research problem, for no anecdote from PARC’s rich history is burdened by so much contradictory testimony.

From Los Angeles Times

Rosenior has come across as respectful and patient, and impressed in work with Chelsea's charitable foundation, according to multiple anecdotes from staff inside the club.

From BBC

Related Words

• episode
• gag
• narration
• narrative
• reminiscence
• short story
• sketch
• tale
• tall tale
• yarn