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

Instead, a great deal of people who were seemingly close to Epstein are authors on the New York Times nonfiction bestsellers list, and seemingly half of the Health, How-To, and Miscellaneous list. —Literary Hub, 5 Feb. 2026

Michael Lewis, the charismatic and quotable author behind The Big Short and Moneyball, to name just a few of his bestselling nonfiction titles, has a new book deal in the works—but this one comes with a sci-fi twist. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 5 Feb. 2026

Try to let your mind travel in some way, perhaps by reading nonfiction or watching a foreign film. —Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026

Ginger Strand Ginger Strand is an American author of nonfiction and fiction. —Natalia Sánchez Loayza, Scientific American, 5 Feb. 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