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

In the basement of my childhood home, one whole wall was covered with them, four side-by-side, floor-to-ceiling bookcases stuffed with novels and biographies and poetry and narrative nonfiction. —Andrea Williams, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025

An example of graphic nonfiction, the book uses both words and illustration to examine causes and consequences of loneliness. —Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

Like some of my other favorite nonfiction titles, The Atlas of Languages is a visually striking and thoughtfully designed book that presents complex ideas in a kid-friendly way. —Caroline Carlson june 30, Literary Hub, 30 June 2025

This summer edition of Books We Love includes fiction and nonfiction picks. —Brittney Melton, NPR, 27 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