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

Aligned with his fiction and nonfiction agility, the new annual award will salute outstanding emerging talent in both fiction and nonfiction writing. —Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 24 June 2025

Stories that burrow into characters’ trains of thought can capture true interiority in a way that film or nonfiction cannot. —Jeremy Gordon, The Atlantic, 24 June 2025

The Writers Guild of America East has finally sealed its first deal with management at the nonfiction production company Story Syndicate. —Katie Campione, Deadline, 24 June 2025

The sale includes thousands of fiction, nonfiction, children’s, vintage and collective books, as well as newer textbooks, vinyl records, DVDs, CDs and video games. —Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 23 June 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