noun
non-fiction
non-FIK-shuhn
Non-fiction (noun) means writing about real people, events and facts rather than invented ones, covering history, biography, science, memoir, journalism and reference. Example: “She reads almost nothing but non-fiction.”
noun
1
Writing about real people, events and facts rather than invented ones, covering history, biography, science, memoir, journalism and reference.
"She reads almost nothing but non-fiction."
"The prize is awarded for a work of narrative non-fiction."
adjective
1
Of or being writing about real events and facts.
"He has written three non-fiction books about the Arctic."
"The non-fiction shelves are at the back of the library."
How to use non-fiction
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBooks about real things rather than made-up stories.
When to use it
Neutral. Standard in bookselling, libraries and publishing.
Memory tip
It is an uncountable noun: say "two non-fiction books", not "two non-fictions".
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
works of non-fiction
narrative non-fiction
non-fiction bestseller
creative non-fiction
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Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She reads almost nothing but _____.
Etymology
Formed from the prefix non-, meaning "not", plus fiction, from Latin fingere "to shape or invent".
Related words
Rhymes for non-fiction
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for non-fiction →
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between fiction and non-fiction?
Fiction is invented: the people and events come from the author's imagination, even if a real setting is used. Non-fiction presents itself as an account of what actually happened or is actually the case, and the author is accountable for its accuracy.
Is it nonfiction or non-fiction?
Both are correct. American publishing and dictionaries generally close it up as nonfiction, while British usage keeps the hyphen as non-fiction. Pick one and stay consistent within a document.
Is a memoir non-fiction if the author misremembers?
Yes. Memoir is classed as non-fiction because it is offered as a truthful account, and the genre allows for the limits of memory and for reconstructed dialogue. Deliberately inventing events, however, breaks that contract, as several publishing scandals have shown.
What is the meaning of non-fiction?
"non-fiction" (noun) means writing about real people, events and facts rather than invented ones, covering history, biography, science, memoir, journalism and reference.
