nonfiction

noun

non·​fic·​tion ˌnän-ˈfik-shən 

: writing or cinema that is about facts and real events

He prefers to read nonfiction rather than novels.

nonfictional

ˌnän-ˈfik-shnəl 

-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Examples of nonfiction in a Sentence

He reads a lot of nonfiction.

Recent Examples on the Web

Groom will report to Amazon MGM Studios nonfiction head Jenn Levy, who made the announcement Wednesday. — Michael Schneider, Variety, 4 Nov. 2026

It’s also known as the home of the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival, the longest-running nonfiction cinematic event in North America. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 3 Nov. 2026

In Undercover Conversations, the third in a fun nonfiction series for middle grade readers, science writer Eleanor Spicer Rice answers these fascinating questions and many more. — Literary Hub, 2 Nov. 2026

But here are readers’ favorite nonfiction books, along with their comments about the influence of the authors’ words on their lives. — Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for nonfiction

• addiction
• affliction
• constriction
• conviction
• depiction
• eviction
• infliction
• prediction
• restriction
• antifriction
• benediction
• contradiction

Kids Definition

nonfiction

noun

non·​fic·​tion ˈnän-ˈfik-shən 

: literature or cinema that is not fictional

nonfictional

(ˈ)nän-ˈfik-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective