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

The other 16 Emmys awarded to reality shows (along with 12 more for nonfiction, documentary, or game shows) are relegated to the Creative Arts Emmys that take place the week prior. —Joe Reid, Vulture, 10 May 2026

So read on for the titles coming out this month, and start planning your May reading days with this collection of fiction, memoir, nonfiction, biography, nature, sci-fi, fantasy and more. —Erik Pedersen, Oc Register, 8 May 2026

This book has an addictive narrative style that feels more like a fiction thriller than nonfiction. —Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 7 May 2026

Because journalism is a nonfiction medium and not an art form, photojournalists must avoid any manipulation of the image or the scene being captured or any postproduction alteration that misleads the public about the reality of the situation. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 May 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