Meaning of literature in English

  1. Pronunciation

    /ˈlɪdərətʃər/

    US accent Play button

    UK accent Play button

  1. Noun

    literature

    Etymology

    late Middle English (in the sense ‘knowledge of books’): via French from Latin litteratura, from littera (see letter)

    Definitions

    1. creative writing of recognized artistic value
  2. 2. the humanistic study of a body of literature

    Examples

    • « he took a course in Russian lit »
  3. 3. published writings in a particular style on a particular subject

    Examples

    • « the technical literature »
    • « one aspect of Waterloo has not yet been treated in the literature »
  4. 4. the profession or art of a writer

    Examples

    • « her place in literature is secure »