nonfiction

noun

non·​fic·​tion ˌnän-ˈfik-shən How to pronounce nonfiction (audio)
: writing or cinema that is about facts and real events
He prefers to read nonfiction rather than novels.
nonfictional
ˌnän-ˈfik-shnəl How to pronounce nonfiction (audio)
-shə-nᵊl
adjective

Examples of nonfiction in a Sentence

He reads a lot of nonfiction.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for nonfiction

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nonfiction was in 1867

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Cite this Entry

“Nonfiction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonfiction. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

nonfiction

noun
non·​fic·​tion ˈnän-ˈfik-shən How to pronounce nonfiction (audio)
: literature or cinema that is not fictional
nonfictional adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on nonfiction

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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