# nonfiction

/nɑnˈfɪkʃən/ (US) · /nˌɒnfˈɪkʃən/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/nonfiction
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

writing that is about real people, places, and events rather than made-up stories. You read this when you want to learn facts or true information.

For teachers: prose writing that is based on facts, real events, and real people, such as biography or history. Often contrasted with fiction.

## Examples

- I prefer reading nonfiction because I like learning about history.
- The library has a large section for nonfiction, including books on science, cooking, and travel.
- While the author uses a narrative style that feels like a novel, the book is strictly nonfiction, supported by extensive primary source research and interviews.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I read a nonfiction about space." but "I read a nonfiction book about space." — Nonfiction refers to the category of writing; to refer to a single item, use 'nonfiction book' or 'work of nonfiction'.

## Usage notes

- Uncountable when referring to the genre; can be used as an adjective before a noun (e.g., 'nonfiction book').

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.