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
Kingsolver’s speech was a testament to the power of writers as disrupters who can illuminate injustices and uncomfortable pressure points through literature.
—Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024
The two women had a rare joint engagement on Wednesday, Nov. 20 when the Princess Royal, 74 — who is also Chancellor of the University of London — presented the Queen, 77, with an honorary doctorate of literature for her promotion of literacy and literature over many years.
—Rachel Burchfield, People.com, 21 Nov. 2024
Marlowe studied art history, American Indian studies and literature, intending to move into painting.
—Debra Utacia Krol, The Arizona Republic, 20 Nov. 2024
The bulk of the story is set during the Mexican Revolution, but the story is relevant today, says Emilio Sauri, associate professor of literature at the University of Massachusetts Boston.
—Whitney Eulich, The Christian Science Monitor, 6 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for literature 
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Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024
The two women had a rare joint engagement on Wednesday, Nov. 20 when the Princess Royal, 74 — who is also Chancellor of the University of London — presented the Queen, 77, with an honorary doctorate of literature for her promotion of literacy and literature over many years.
—Rachel Burchfield, People.com, 21 Nov. 2024
Marlowe studied art history, American Indian studies and literature, intending to move into painting.
—Debra Utacia Krol, The Arizona Republic, 20 Nov. 2024
The bulk of the story is set during the Mexican Revolution, but the story is relevant today, says Emilio Sauri, associate professor of literature at the University of Massachusetts Boston.
—Whitney Eulich, The Christian Science Monitor, 6 Nov. 2024
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 1 Dec. 2024.
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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