nonliterate
adjective
non·lit·er·ate
ˌnän-ˈli-t(ə-)rət 
1
: not literate
2
: having no written language
nonliterate
noun
Synonyms
Examples of nonliterate in a Sentence
an organization helping nonliterate adults improve their reading skills
Recent Examples on the Web
Such a practice would have been especially useful in nonliterate societies where knowledge was transmitted orally.
—
Amanda Fortini, New York Times, 12 Nov. 2020
Amanda Fortini, New York Times, 12 Nov. 2020
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'nonliterate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1947, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near nonliterate
Cite this Entry
“Nonliterate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonliterate. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
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Kids Definition
nonliterate
adjective
non·lit·er·ate
-ˈlit-ə-rət
-ˈlit-rət
1
: not literate
2
: having no written language
nonliterate
noun
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