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

Grandmasters premiered as a documentary series at Tribeca Festival in June but will launch in theaters as a nonfiction feature told in three chapters. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2026

The movie, a rare nonfiction romance, uses every tool in the documentary arsenal to make the story fly. — Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 27 Aug. 2026

Besides Walker and Weil, that includes Kara Smith (drama), Blair Fetter (worldbuilding), Jenn Levy (nonfiction) and Melissa Wolfe (animation). — Michael Schneider, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026

The Kirkus Awards recognizes outstanding books across fiction, nonfiction and young readers’ literature. — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 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