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

The intention here is for learners to acquire words in the context of engaging literature. —K. Dara Hill, The Conversation, 24 Apr. 2025

Buy Now 02 of 15 'The History of Love' by Nicole Krauss Believers in the power of literature: this sweeping story is for you. —Lizz Schumer, People.com, 23 Apr. 2025

These passages, among literature’s most poignant and strangely affirming, bridge the gap between the vastness of war and the intimacy of a single death. —Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025

One review of scientific literature contained multiple studies recommending that the stretches be performed three times per day. —Tim Petrie, Dpt, Verywell Health, 21 Apr. 2025

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)