gray literature
noun
: written material (such as a report) that is not published commercially or is not generally accessible
Examples of gray literature in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Until recently, information from rescue excavations was sequestered in a vast gray literature of reports published in Greek by the state archeological service.
—
Nick Romeo, The New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2023
There is no gray literature now: Everything is a magnet for immediate attention and misunderstanding.
—James Heathers, The Atlantic, 23 Oct. 2021
Nick Romeo, The New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2023
There is no gray literature now: Everything is a magnet for immediate attention and misunderstanding.
—James Heathers, The Atlantic, 23 Oct. 2021
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gray 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
First Known Use
1975, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near gray literature
Cite this Entry
“Gray literature.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gray%20literature. Accessed 28 Nov. 2023.
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