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
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.
The husband, Gajanan, had retired from a job as a technician in the telecom industry, and the wife, Archana, a graduate in Sanskrit literature, worked at home. Amitava Kumar, The New Yorker, 8 Mar. 2025 There are more coffee table books on the architecture, too, as opposed to academic literature, which are drawing people in for the style's aesthetic value, bringing new attention and new eyes to the architecture. Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025 While there are many books about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the shop also offers a diverse selection of literature from around the world, including classics, encyclopedias, cookbooks and books on architecture. Britt Clennett, ABC News, 6 Mar. 2025 Even in translation, however, children’s literature, from adventure stories to fairy tales, wasn’t isolated from the broader issues of Soviet culture. Christin Bohnke, JSTOR Daily, 5 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for literature

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Literature.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/literature. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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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