1a(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

Source