literature
noun
lit·er·a·ture
ˈli-tə-rə-ˌchu̇r 
ˈli-trə-ˌchu̇r,
ˈli-tər-ˌchu̇r,
ˈli-tə-,
-chər,
-ˌtyu̇r
-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
J. H. Newman
(2)
: an example of such writings
What came out, though rarely literature, was always a roaring good story.—People
People
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
To this day, kingship suffuses Iranian literature and mythology.
—Azadeh Moaveni, New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2026
The university will merge the linguistics department and the world languages, literatures, and cultures department, and eventually stop awarding linguistics degrees.
—Jessica Ma, Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026
In fact in the 1980s some of the greatest works of literature were put out as TPOs.
—Literary Hub, 20 Mar. 2026
It’s taught the way past generations read ‘Of Mice and Men,’ that great literature can’t be boiled down to a single lesson.
—Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for literature
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Azadeh Moaveni, New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2026
The university will merge the linguistics department and the world languages, literatures, and cultures department, and eventually stop awarding linguistics degrees.
—Jessica Ma, Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026
In fact in the 1980s some of the greatest works of literature were put out as TPOs.
—Literary Hub, 20 Mar. 2026
It’s taught the way past generations read ‘Of Mice and Men,’ that great literature can’t be boiled down to a single lesson.
—Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for literature
Cite this Entry
“Literature.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/literature. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
literature
noun
lit·er·a·ture
ˈlit-ə-rə-ˌchu̇(ə)r
ˈli-trə-
ˈli-trə-
-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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