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
Supporters argue the Bible should be studied as an essential literary text that can help students understand Western history and the founding of the US.
—
Elizabeth Wolfe,
CNN Money,
26 June 2026
The more consequential intervention is about the rules by which literary evidence becomes admissible.
—
Literary Hub,
26 June 2026
Texas may be a trailblazer A state law passed in 2023 required a mandatory list of at least one literary work be taught in each grade level.
—
Amie Stengle,
Los Angeles Times,
26 June 2026
Since 2021, the pop star has championed literary arts with her Service95 book club.
—
Maya Georgi,
Rolling Stone,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for literary
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Elizabeth Wolfe,
CNN Money,
26 June 2026
The more consequential intervention is about the rules by which literary evidence becomes admissible.
—
Literary Hub,
26 June 2026
Texas may be a trailblazer A state law passed in 2023 required a mandatory list of at least one literary work be taught in each grade level.
—
Amie Stengle,
Los Angeles Times,
26 June 2026
Since 2021, the pop star has championed literary arts with her Service95 book club.
—
Maya Georgi,
Rolling Stone,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for literary
Cite this Entry
“Literary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/literary. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
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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