literature literature /ˈlɪtɝətʃɝ/

noun

1. () Creative writing of recognized artistic value  ( literature )
   creative writing of recognized artistic value
     The English professor assigned classic literature for the students to read.
   The English professor assigned classic literature for the students to read.
   
2. () The humanistic study of a body of literature  ( lit , literature )
   the humanistic study of a body of literature
    He took a course in Russian lit
   he took a course in Russian lit
   
3. () Published writings in a particular style on a particular subject  ( literature )
   published writings in a particular style on a particular subject
    The technical literature
   the technical literature
    One aspect of Waterloo has not yet been treated in the literature
   one aspect of Waterloo has not yet been treated in the literature
   
4. () The profession or art of a writer  ( literature )
   the profession or art of a writer
    Her place in literature is secure
   her place in literature is secure