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

American family memoirs are an enduring nonfiction genre, too, with new books exploring the complexity of race and immigration gaining wide readership and acclaim. —Karin Wulf, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 July 2025

Going forwards, the pair will co-produce more nonfiction limited audio series. —Max Goldbart, Deadline, 16 July 2025

Creative nonfiction, by contrast, demands loyalty to fact but offers infinite flexibility in perspective, interpretation, and voice. —Matthew Clark Davison, Literary Hub, 11 July 2025

Panelists include Dan O’Meara, EVP, nonfiction, Neon; Sylvia Bugg, chief programming executive and GM of general audience programming, PBS; Carrie Lozano, president and CEO, ITVS; Cara Cusumano, festival director & SVP programming, Tribeca; and Karol Martesko-Fenster, CEO & president, Abramorama. —Whitney Cinkala, Variety, 10 July 2025

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