literature
noun
lit·er·a·ture
ˈli-tə-rə-ˌchu̇r 
ˈli-trə-ˌchu̇r,
ˈli-tər-ˌchu̇r,
ˈli-tə-,
-chər,
-ˌtyu̇r
-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
J. H. Newman
(2)
: an example of such writings
what came out, though rarely literature, was always a roaring good story—People
People
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
And if a news outlet needs to interview a pundit in any field from political science to literature, the short list stops at the Ivy League.
—David Galef/chicago Tribune, Boston Herald, 19 Jan. 2025
The other rule is the best pieces that haven’t been collected on film, literature, and jazz.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 17 Jan. 2025
Wright’s consistent rejection of a link between climate change and worsening wildfires is directly at odds with the scientific literature.
—Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2025
The bandmates of Mortal Fools specialize in taking texts from classic literature and bending them into prog rock.
—Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for literature 
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David Galef/chicago Tribune, Boston Herald, 19 Jan. 2025
The other rule is the best pieces that haven’t been collected on film, literature, and jazz.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 17 Jan. 2025
Wright’s consistent rejection of a link between climate change and worsening wildfires is directly at odds with the scientific literature.
—Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2025
The bandmates of Mortal Fools specialize in taking texts from classic literature and bending them into prog rock.
—Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for literature
Dictionary Entries Near literature
Cite this Entry
“Literature.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/literature. Accessed 24 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
literature
noun
lit·er·a·ture
ˈlit-ə-rə-ˌchu̇(ə)r
ˈli-trə-
ˈli-trə-
-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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