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.
Check out their picks for fiction and nonfiction. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 26 June 2026 One of the pleasures of a good book, even a nonfiction one, is the illusion of closure. — Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026 Popular culture Numerous books—fiction, nonfiction, and those closer to conspiracy—have been written about the case. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 June 2026 These 10 nonfiction book recommendations span sea to shining sea and bring you into the heart of American history and travel. — Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 1 July 2026 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

Rhymes for nonfiction

See All Rhymes for nonfiction

Browse Nearby Words

nonfibrous
nonfiction
nonfictional
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nonfiction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonfiction. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

nonfiction

noun
non·​fic·​tion ˈnän-ˈfik-shən How to pronounce nonfiction (audio)
: literature or cinema that is not fictional
nonfictional
(ˈ)nän-ˈfik-shnəl How to pronounce nonfiction (audio)
-shən-ᵊl
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on nonfiction

Nglish: Translation of nonfiction for Spanish Speakers

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