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

(2)

: an example of such writings

What came out, though rarely literature, was always a roaring good story.

—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

Ibogaine is known to cause irregular heart rhythms and has been linked to more than 30 deaths in the medical literature, according to the Multidisciplinary Assn. —Matthew Perrone, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2026

Tyler has a doctor of education degree from Baylor University, a master’s in educational administration from Concordia University Texas and an undergraduate degree in English literature from the University of North Texas. —Samuel O’Neal 16, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Apr. 2026

Reynolds posits that, unlike listening to song or watching a show or movie, literature requires a mental investment — and a span of time — that makes reading hit different. —Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026

In his telling, the raw materials at the heart of the Cucinelli brand are not merely fine fabrics but art, literature and philosophy. —Julian Sancton, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin litteratura writing, grammar, learning, from litteratus

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Phrases Containing literature

• gray literature

Kids Definition

literature

noun

lit·​er·​a·​ture ˈlit-ə-rə-ˌchu̇(ə)r  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)