Literature Definition

lĭtər-ə-cho͝or, -chər
noun
The body of written works of a language, period, or culture.
American Heritage
The profession of an author; production of writings, esp. of imaginative prose, verse, etc.
Webster's New World
All writings in prose or verse, esp. those of an imaginative or critical character, without regard to their excellence: often distinguished from scientific writing, news reporting, etc.
Webster's New World
All of such writings considered as having permanent value, excellence of form, great emotional effect, etc.
Webster's New World
All the writings of a particular time, country, region, etc., specif. those regarded as having lasting value because of their beauty, imagination, etc.
American literature.
Webster's New World
Antonyms:

Other Word Forms of Literature

Noun

Singular:
literature
Plural:
literatures

Origin of Literature

  • Middle English book learning from Old French litterature from Latin litterātūra from litterātus lettered literate

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • From Latin literatura or litteratura.

    From Wiktionary

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literature