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 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 …
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 hurricanes.
Adjective historic (comparative more historic, superlative most historic) Very important; noteworthy: having importance or significance in history.
There are six meanings listed in OED's entry for the word historic, one of which is labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025 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.
Having, or likely to have, lasting significance or importance. A historic occasion.
historic, n. & adj. meanings, etymology and more | Oxford English ...