literature
LIHT-ruh-chuh
Literature (noun) means Written works, especially novels, plays, and poetry, valued for their artistic quality. Example: “She's studying nineteenth-century Russian literature at university.”
noun
1
Written works, especially novels, plays, and poetry, valued for their artistic quality.
"She's studying nineteenth-century Russian literature at university."
"His favorite piece of literature is a collection of short stories by Chekhov."
"Our teacher asked us to read a classic work of English literature over the holidays."
2
The body of published research or writing on a particular academic subject.
"The paper begins with a review of the existing literature on climate migration."
"Before starting her study, she read the literature on sleep and memory."
"There is very little published literature on this rare type of bird."
How to use literature
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishGreat or notable written works, or the full set of published writing on a topic.
Common pairings
classic literature
a review of the literature
works of literature
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Word forms
- Plural
- literatures
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She's studying nineteenth-century Russian _____ at university.
Etymology
From Old French littérature, from Latin litteratura ("writing, grammar"), from littera ("letter").
Synonyms
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Rhymes for literature
See all rhymes for literature →Frequently asked questions
What does “literature” mean?
The word “literature” means written works, especially novels, plays, and poetry, valued for their artistic quality. In plain terms, great or notable written works, or the full set of published writing on a topic.
How do you pronounce “literature”?
“Literature” is pronounced LIHT-ruh-chuh (/ˈlɪt.ɚ.ə.t͡ʃɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “literature” in a sentence?
Here is “literature” used in a sentence: “She's studying nineteenth-century Russian literature at university.”
What part of speech is “literature”?
“Literature” is a noun.
Where does the word “literature” come from?
The word “literature” comes from Latin. From Old French littérature, from Latin litteratura ("writing, grammar"), from littera ("letter").
Is “literature” a common word?
“Literature” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “literature” have?
“Literature” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: written works, especially novels, plays, and poetry, valued for their artistic quality.
What are the types of literature?
Literature is traditionally divided into major forms: fiction, such as novels and short stories; poetry; and drama, meaning plays. Non-fiction — essays, biography, and criticism — is often included when it has artistic merit. Works are also grouped by genre, period, and language, such as Romantic poetry or modern fiction.
What is the difference between literature and fiction?
Fiction is writing that tells invented stories, such as novels. Literature is the broader body of written works valued for artistic quality, and it includes fiction as well as poetry, drama, and fine non-fiction. So all novels are fiction, but only some are considered literature — those judged to have lasting artistic worth.
Why is literature important?
Literature preserves and shares human experience, letting readers inhabit other lives, times, and viewpoints. It develops language, empathy, and critical thinking, and records a culture's values and history. Beyond usefulness, it offers beauty and pleasure, and the best works continue to speak to readers long after they were written.
What makes writing count as literature?
There is no fixed test, but writing is usually called literature when it shows artistic quality — skilful language, depth of meaning, and lasting value beyond mere information or entertainment. Critical reception, influence, and endurance over time all play a part. The label reflects judgment, so opinions about individual works vary.
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