Historical is used as the general term for describing history, such as 'the historical record,' while historic is now usually reserved for important and famous moments in history, such as 'a historic battle.'

Historic means ‘important or likely to be important in history’: … Authorities and meteorologists described the flooding as historic and the worst seen in the region apart from that spawned by …

Historic refers to that which is associated with significant events in history: the historic first voyage to the moon. Thus, a historic house is likely to be of interest not just because it is relatively old, but because …

Browse our photographs and publications, and join us in preserving and understanding our heritage as a diverse and dynamic people. We also welcome you to join us and become a member of our …

Oct 23, 2025 · Adjective historic (comparative more historic, superlative most historic) Very important; noteworthy: having importance or significance in history.

Something that is historic is important in history, or likely to be considered important at some time in the future. King gave this historic speech the night before he was assassinated. ...a fourth historic …

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026 his•tor•ic (hi stôr′ ik, -stor′ -), adj. World History well-known or important in history: a historic building; historic occasions. …

When you describe something that's historic, it's either the first or the only of its kind. Historic moments are so important or momentous that they'll show up in history textbooks.

Chronicling America is an open access database of historic American newspapers created by the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Library of Congress. Through the National Digital …

126 years ago, in Lennon. Charles Laughlin, with C. W. Insler & Company, of. Detroit, is in town today on business. Mrs. Will Hughes is seriously ill. The funeral of the late Mrs. Phebe Jenkins was held. …