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 hybrid nonfiction film, which world premiered in competition in the Burning Lights section at Visions du Réel earlier this year, will be introduced to buyers as the company continues building its documentary slate. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 July 2026

There are frequent passages about climate change and digital surveillance that, with slight adjustments, would not be out of place in Rich’s nonfiction. — Literary Hub, 16 July 2026

The author and journalist will publish her first nonfiction book this year. — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026

Plus, award-winning journalists deliver some nonfiction reads. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 10 July 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