What does nonfiction mean?
Nonfiction is writing, publishing, or media based on factual information rather than invented events. It covers a broad range of subjects and genres, including biography, history, journalism, science, politics, travel, and memoir. The term does not imply that a work is dull, objective, or without a strong point of view: nonfiction may use vivid narrative, character, humour, and literary techniques while still being based on verifiable facts or clearly identified personal experience. Writers often describe books and articles as nonfiction to distinguish them from fiction, whose characters and events are created by an author. The word is common in publishing, libraries, media, education, and bookselling. It is also used more broadly to characterize works whose primary purpose is to inform or examine real subjects, even when interpretation, argument, or storytelling plays an important role.
nounWritten or published material that presents factual information rather than an invented story. It includes genres such as biography, history, science, and journalism.
- Literature or published material based on factual subjects and information, as distinct from fiction.
- A genre, category, or body of writing devoted to factual subjects.
"The book combines rigorous nonfiction with a compelling narrative."
"Her essays examine history through nonfiction rather than imagined narratives."
"The publisher has an extensive catalogue of history and science nonfiction."
Nonfiction is usually an uncountable category. The plural is uncommon but can refer to separate works classified as nonfiction.
"The exhibition includes documentaries and other nonfictions about the river."
Nonfiction tells stories too—but its central contract with the reader is that the claims are presented as fact rather than invention.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nonfiction come from?
Nonfiction combines the prefix non-, meaning “not,” with fiction, from Latin fictio, a making or creation and ultimately related to fingere, “to shape, form, or devise.” The compound entered English in the early 17th century to distinguish factual accounts from imaginative literature. Its modern sense developed alongside the older collective use of fiction meaning literary works in general.
Related word forms
How nonfiction is actually used
Nonfiction is a broad, usually uncountable category rather than a single genre. It can describe books, articles, film, television, and other media. In general use, it often contrasts with fiction, although nonfiction works may employ narrative techniques, characters, and storytelling.