nonfiction

noun

non·​fic·​tion ˌnän-ˈfik-shən 

: writing or cinema that is about facts and real events

He prefers to read nonfiction rather than novels.

nonfictional

ˌnän-ˈfik-shnəl 

-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Examples of nonfiction in a Sentence

He reads a lot of nonfiction.

Recent Examples on the Web

The vertical will cover the full range of books published each year, fiction and nonfiction, in every category from children’s books to romance to personal finance. — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026

Rarely has nonfiction been this popular, this captivating, or this big a box office draw. — Andrew McGowan, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2026

The special is the latest in Klepper’s Fingers the Pulse specials, which have won the past two Emmy Awards for best writing for a nonfiction program. — Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026

Why would a hyperlocal life-drawing community in Seattle be interested in a nonfiction book about the shifting aspirations of young people in India’s small towns? — Snigdha Poonam, The Dial, 13 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for nonfiction

• addiction
• affliction
• constriction
• conviction
• depiction
• eviction
• infliction
• prediction
• restriction
• antifriction
• benediction
• contradiction

Kids Definition

nonfiction

noun

non·​fic·​tion ˈnän-ˈfik-shən 

: literature or cinema that is not fictional

nonfictional

(ˈ)nän-ˈfik-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective