literature

noun

lit·​er·​a·​ture ˈli-tə-rə-ˌchu̇r How to pronounce literature (audio)
ˈli-trə-ˌchu̇r,
ˈli-tər-ˌchu̇r,
ˈli-tə-,
-chər,
-ˌtyu̇r How to pronounce literature (audio)
-ˌtu̇r
1
a(1)
: writings in prose or verse
especially : writings having excellence of form or expression and expressing ideas of permanent or universal interest
literature stands related to man as science stands to nature J. H. Newman
(2)
: an example of such writings
what came out, though rarely literature, was always a roaring good storyPeople
b
: the body of writings on a particular subject
scientific literature
c
: the body of written works produced in a particular language, country, or age
French literature
Renaissance literature
d
: printed matter (such as leaflets or circulars)
campaign literature
2
: the production of literary work especially as an occupation
Literature is his profession.
3
: the aggregate of a usually specified type of musical compositions
the Brahms piano literature
4
archaic : literary culture

Examples of literature in a Sentence

She took courses in history and literature. Her education gave her an appreciation for great literature. He's an expert in American literature. the literature of the Renaissance studies in different Asian literatures Can you send me some literature about your product?
Recent Examples on the Web He’s been working on a novel, a work of historical fiction, and said that, having written 18 plays, he’s officially turned his keyboard over to another branch of literature. Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2024 Under Communism, Czech literature became increasingly known for its black humor, for satirist-dissidents such as Ivan Klima and Václav Havel, and for tipsy readings of samizdat literature at the pub. Jennifer Wilson, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2024 North Coast Repertory Theatre is presenting Richard Wilbur’s acclaimed translation of the 17th-century French theater classic Could Tartuffe be the most misunderstood character in French classical theater, to say nothing of dramatic literature? David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Mar. 2024 The film will be part of Ochre’s African Book Club project, a partnership with Omotoso that adapts classic and contemporary works of African literature for the screen. Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 29 Feb. 2024 The researchers did a search of the existing literature, but only found four studies on hermit crabs using plastic debris and other human waste. Popsci Staff, Popular Science, 28 Feb. 2024 Both of those films were based on masterpieces of French literature: The first was adapted from a novel by the brilliant but short-lived author Raymond Radiguet; the second from two short stories by Guy de Maupassant. Adam Nossiter, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2024 In recent years, the pair that was once confined to the world of children’s literature crossed into the realm of pop culture. Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 2024 The nonprofit organization Access Books, which works to renovate school libraries and to ensure that kids in underserved communities have access to quality literature and resources, will be given the 2023 Innovator’s Award. Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'literature.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin litteratura writing, grammar, learning, from litteratus

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Time Traveler
The first known use of literature was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near literature

Cite this Entry

“Literature.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/literature. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

literature

noun
lit·​er·​a·​ture ˈlit-ə-rə-ˌchu̇(ə)r How to pronounce literature (audio) ˈli-trə- How to pronounce literature (audio)
-chər
1
: written works having excellence of form or expression and ideas of lasting and widespread interest
2
: written material (as of a period or on a subject)

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