Definition of LITERATURE
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lit·er·a·ture | ˈli-tə-rə-ˌchu̇r
, ˈli-trə-ˌchu̇r, ˈli-tər-ˌchu̇r, ˈli-tə-, -chər, -ˌtyu̇r, -ˌtu̇r
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
4 archaic : literary culture
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?
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Recent Examples on the Web The News Leader) Knowing how to recognize and resist attempts at manipulation, combined with a background in history,literature, art, music and science, allows students to better understand and maneuver in their world, Newby-Alexander said. —Monique Calello, USA TODAY, “Friendly rivals Hampton and Norfolk State unravel history together,” 14 Feb. 2020Now, a new study adds to the growingliteraturethat prehistoric children were hard workers, who learned from an early age to use the weapons and tools that would help them with the rigors of adulthood. —Colin Barras, Science | AAAS, “Playing with tools—and weapons—was a ‘normal’ part of prehistoric childhood,” 18 Dec. 2019The celebrated author joined the monarch at her Windsor Castle home for the royal ceremony Margaret Atwood, author of The Handmaid’s Tale, was awarded an Order of the Companions of Honour by Queen Elizabeth for her services toliteratureon Friday. —Erin Hill, PEOPLE.com, “The Handmaid’s Tale Author Margaret Atwood Just Received a Big Honor from Queen Elizabeth,” 25 Oct. 2019According toliteraturefrom Pulte Homes, the Lyon floor plan starts at 2,442 sq. —Laura Bednar, cleveland, “Independence approves final plat in Chestnut Woods Subdivision,” 21 Oct. 2019There are shelves devoted toliterature, beat poetry, philosophy, religion, poetry, war, fiction and biographies and books by Ayn Rand, Henry Miller, Dostoevsky, Steinbeck and even Stephen King, among many others. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, “Quirky Carlsbad bookstore and arts hub facing unexpected eviction,” 13 Oct. 2019According toliteraturefrom Rescue and Restore, everyone can play a role in identifying victims of human trafficking. —Joan Hunt, courant.com, “Vintage Fashion Show Raises Awareness Of Human Trafficking,” 11 Oct. 2019Homoeroticism is almost innate in cowboy culture and has been explored through many forms of media, from visual art and film toliterature. —Jessi Roti, chicagotribune.com, “Orville Peck, the masked, gay, self-anointed ‘country star,’ breathes new life into the outlaw tradition,” 4 Oct. 2019Vaccinations also can have side effects, ranging from fevers and seizures to very rare cases of death, according to theliteratureincluded with the medications and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. —Elizabeth Aguilera, The Mercury News, “Five things to know about California’s new vaccine law,” 16 Sep. 2019
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word ‘literature.’ Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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