anecdote
Anecdote (noun) means a short, often amusing story about a real event or person. Example: “He opened his speech with a funny anecdote about his first job.”
How to use anecdote
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA brief true story, usually told to illustrate a point or entertain, rather than a formal or statistical account.
"Anecdotal evidence" means evidence based on personal stories rather than rigorous data — it's often less reliable than it sounds.
Word forms
anecdoted past tense, anecdotes plural, anecdotes singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He opened his speech with a funny _____ about his first job.
Etymology
From French anecdote, ultimately from Greek anekdotos, "unpublished" — originally referring to untold behind-the-scenes stories.
Rhymes for anecdote
See all rhymes for anecdote →Frequently asked questions
What does “anecdote” mean?
The word “anecdote” means a short, often amusing story about a real event or person. In plain terms, a brief true story, usually told to illustrate a point or entertain, rather than a formal or statistical account.
How do you pronounce “anecdote”?
“Anecdote” is pronounced AN-ihk-doht (/ˈæn.ɪkˌdoʊt/ in IPA).
How do you use “anecdote” in a sentence?
Here is “anecdote” used in a sentence: “He opened his speech with a funny anecdote about his first job.”
What part of speech is “anecdote”?
“Anecdote” is a noun.
Where does the word “anecdote” come from?
The word “anecdote” comes from French. From French anecdote, ultimately from Greek anekdotos, "unpublished" — originally referring to untold behind-the-scenes stories.
Is “anecdote” a common word?
“Anecdote” is an uncommon word in modern English.
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