nonfiction

noun

non·​fic·​tion ˌnän-ˈfik-shən 

: writing or cinema that is about facts and real events

He prefers to read nonfiction rather than novels.

nonfictional

ˌnän-ˈfik-shnəl 

-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Examples of nonfiction in a Sentence

He reads a lot of nonfiction.

Recent Examples on the Web

Premiering at the New York Film Festival, the movie is based on a real two-day conference about climate change that happened in 1980 and was later recounted in Nathaniel Rich’s 2019 nonfiction book Losing Earth. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2026

The honor recognizes filmmakers whose work, influence and commitment to nonfiction storytelling have made a significant, lasting impact on documentaries. — Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026

The suspiciously large price tag suggested Jeff Bezos might have had more on his mind than just a love of nonfiction moviemaking. — Brent Lang, IndieWire, 4 Oct. 2026

The criticisms reflect the deep bond that many Christians, particularly evangelicals, feel with Lewis, who promoted Christian teachings and themes through fiction and nonfiction. — ABC News, 4 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for nonfiction

• addiction
• affliction
• constriction
• conviction
• depiction
• eviction
• infliction
• prediction
• restriction
• antifriction
• benediction
• contradiction

Kids Definition

nonfiction

noun

non·​fic·​tion ˈnän-ˈfik-shən 

: literature or cinema that is not fictional

nonfictional

(ˈ)nän-ˈfik-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective