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.
Minervini, who has helmed a slew of documentary films, deployed his nonfiction techniques for the feature that premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard program. Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 24 Apr. 2025 Among its offerings, the school recently expanded its nonfiction storytelling classes and announced plans for an MFA program in media archiving and curatorial practice. Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 23 Apr. 2025 The Golden Hour may be nonfiction, but in its emotional depth and poetic insight, the book belongs on the same shelf as the novels What Make Sammy Run? and The Day of the Locust. Ito Bindery, Air Mail, 19 Apr. 2025 This is an iconic work of narrative nonfiction that pairs unimpeachable reporting with advocacy and belief. Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 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 30 Apr. 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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