literature

noun

lit·​er·​a·​ture ˈli-tə-rə-ˌchu̇r How to pronounce literature (audio)
ˈli-trə-ˌchu̇r,
ˈli-tər-ˌchu̇r,
ˈli-tə-,
-chər,
-ˌtyu̇r How to pronounce literature (audio)
-ˌtu̇r
1
a(1)
: writings in prose or verse
especially : writings having excellence of form or expression and expressing ideas of permanent or universal interest
literature stands related to man as science stands to nature J. H. Newman
(2)
: an example of such writings
what came out, though rarely literature, was always a roaring good storyPeople
b
: the body of writings on a particular subject
scientific literature
c
: the body of written works produced in a particular language, country, or age
French literature
Renaissance literature
d
: printed matter (such as leaflets or circulars)
campaign literature
2
: the production of literary work especially as an occupation
Literature is his profession.
3
: the aggregate of a usually specified type of musical compositions
the Brahms piano literature
4
archaic : literary culture

Examples of literature in a Sentence

She took courses in history and literature. Her education gave her an appreciation for great literature. He's an expert in American literature. the literature of the Renaissance studies in different Asian literatures Can you send me some literature about your product?
Recent Examples on the Web Their correct title is distinguished professor in the Graduate School of UC Berkeley, not professor of comparative literature. Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2024 San Diego was also a city that was and still is, for the most part, not the subject of nearly as much literature, art, music and film as our neighbors to the north in California. Jim Miller, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2024 The emergence of bitcoin has given way to a body of academic literature dedicated to the slippery problem of assigning a value to this new type of asset. Joel Khalili, WIRED, 12 Mar. 2024 And then there’s literature: one New York City public-high-school reading list includes graphic novels, Michelle Obama’s memoir, and a coming-of-age book about identity featuring characters named Aristotle and Dante. Emma Green, The New Yorker, 11 Mar. 2024 In any other walk of life–politics, government, literature, art–the idea of yielding to autocracy would be impossible to even consider. Rona Berg, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 The two form a steady bond, taking comfort in their mutual love of literature, their complicated histories, and the easy trust that springs up between them. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 29 Feb. 2024 In the region’s folklore, literature, song, and dance, kohl has been celebrated for centuries. Zahra Hankir, CNN, 29 Feb. 2024 Its purpose, according to founding documents and recent interpretations, is to foster a culture that produces great works of science, art, literature, and music. Alex Reisner, The Atlantic, 29 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'literature.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin litteratura writing, grammar, learning, from litteratus

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Time Traveler
The first known use of literature was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near literature

Cite this Entry

“Literature.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/literature. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

literature

noun
lit·​er·​a·​ture ˈlit-ə-rə-ˌchu̇(ə)r How to pronounce literature (audio) ˈli-trə- How to pronounce literature (audio)
-chər
1
: written works having excellence of form or expression and ideas of lasting and widespread interest
2
: written material (as of a period or on a subject)

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