anecdote

/ˈæ.nɪk.doʊt/noun

A brief, entertaining story about something that really happened or about a particular person.

Example sentences

“My grandfather loves telling anecdotes from his years working on fishing boats.”
“The speaker opened with a funny anecdote about her first day as a nurse.”

Gives us "anecdotal evidence": conclusions drawn from a few personal stories rather than systematic data, usually said dismissively.

Featured as word of the day on January 20, 2026.

Synonyms for anecdote

story
tale
yarn

Often confused with anecdote

anecdote vs antidote

Related words

angryFeeling or showing strong displeasure or rage.anchorA heavy device lowered from a ship to grip the bottom of the water and keep the vessel from drifting.anguishDeep, intense suffering of the body or the mind.ancestorA family member from past generations, on either parent's side, from whom a person is descended.animatedLively and full of energy, especially in the way someone talks or moves.ampleLarge in size or amount; spacious or more than enough.