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

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Antonyms:
speech

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