gray literature

noun

: written material (such as a report) that is not published commercially or is not generally accessible

Examples of gray literature in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Until recently, information from rescue excavations was sequestered in a vast gray literature of reports published in Greek by the state archeological service. Nick Romeo, The New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2023 There is no gray literature now: Everything is a magnet for immediate attention and misunderstanding. James Heathers, The Atlantic, 23 Oct. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gray 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

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gray literature was in 1975

Dictionary Entries Near gray literature

Cite this Entry

“Gray literature.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gray%20literature. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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