literary
adjective
lit·er·ary
ˈli-tə-ˌrer-ē 
1
a
: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of humane learning or literature
a literary education
a literary institution
b
: bookish sense 2
an essay written in a very literary style
c
: of or relating to books
a literary agent
a literary manuscript
2
a
: well-read
… he is literary, given to quoting to himself rather long stretches of remembered lines …—
F. J. Hoffman
F. J. Hoffman
b
: of or relating to authors or scholars or to their professions
her literary biographies
Synonyms of literary
Examples of literary in a Sentence
Do his books have any literary merit?
Mystery fiction is only one of many literary forms.
an essay written in a very literary style
The author uses many literary devices in his work.
He entered the literary world right out of college.
She hired a literary agent.
Recent Examples on the Web
Now literary hats are everywhere.
—Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Nov. 2025
As reported, the New Bond Street flagship reopened in June, and is a blend of literary salon, indie cinema and Mayfair private members’ club.
—Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 17 Nov. 2025
Despite his literary hero previously getting the Tom Cruise treatment on the big screen, Jack Reacher author Lee Child is most impressed with the books’ Prime Video series adaptation.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 16 Nov. 2025
Wong's literary activities also encompassed editing several works on disability, and contributing a column to Teen Vogue.
—NPR, 15 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for literary
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Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Nov. 2025
As reported, the New Bond Street flagship reopened in June, and is a blend of literary salon, indie cinema and Mayfair private members’ club.
—Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 17 Nov. 2025
Despite his literary hero previously getting the Tom Cruise treatment on the big screen, Jack Reacher author Lee Child is most impressed with the books’ Prime Video series adaptation.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 16 Nov. 2025
Wong's literary activities also encompassed editing several works on disability, and contributing a column to Teen Vogue.
—NPR, 15 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for literary
Cite this Entry
“Literary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/literary. Accessed 21 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
literary
adjective
lit·er·ary
ˈlit-ə-ˌrer-ē
1
a
: of or relating to literature
b
2
: of or relating to writers or writing as a profession
literarily
adverb
ˌlit-ə-ˈrer-ə-lē
literariness
noun
ˈlit-ə-ˌrer-ē-nəs
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