nonfiction

[ non-fik-shuhn ]

noun

1. the branch of literature comprising works of narrative prose dealing with or offering opinions or conjectures upon facts and reality, including biography, history, and the essay ( fiction and poetry and drama ).
2. works of this class:

   She had read all of his novels but none of his nonfiction.

3. (especially in cataloging books, as in a library or bookstore) all writing or books not fiction, poetry, or drama, including nonfictive narrative prose and reference works; the broadest category of written works.

nonfiction

/ ˌnɒnˈfɪkʃən /

noun

1. writing dealing with facts and events rather than imaginative narration
2. modifier relating to or denoting nonfiction

Derived Forms

• nonˈfictionally, adverb
• nonˈfictional, adjective

Other Words From

• non·fiction·al adjective
• non·fiction·al·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of nonfiction¹

First recorded in 1905–10; non- + fiction

Example Sentences

At the time, Scorsese saw Italian directors doing nonfiction takes on scholarly subjects for television and wanted in.

From Los Angeles Times

The show, which consists of episodic nonfiction pieces, is directed and performed entirely by members of the trans community.

From Los Angeles Times

But meta layers of surrealism are on brand for Aitken, who said he’s “really interested in that idea of, like, where the line between fiction and nonfiction gets blurred.”

From Los Angeles Times

The silver-mustached 63-year-old, who also wore a shirt that read “Save Democracy, vote nonfiction,” has lived in Placer County for more than 20 years.

From Los Angeles Times

Critic Bethanne Patrick recommends 10 promising new titles — fiction and nonfiction — to consider in October.

From Los Angeles Times