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
(2)
: an example of such writings
What came out, though rarely literature, was always a roaring good story.—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
Cite this Entry
“Literature.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/literature. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.
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