historical fiction
Americannoun
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the genre of literature, film, etc., comprising narratives that take place in the past and are characterized chiefly by an imaginative reconstruction of historical events and personages.
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works of this genre, as novels and plays.
Etymology
Origin of historical fiction
First recorded in 1585–95
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In contrast to the nobly principled leader of historical fiction, Mr. Levin offers up the real, flawed Shaw, a young man more vainglorious than glorious.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 12, 2026
“You missed ‘Homegoing’ by Yaa Gyasi!” reader Melanie H. writes of the critically acclaimed Ghanian historical fiction novel.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 18, 2026
Jolly said she was delighted to win the prize which she said made the case for historical fiction as a "really serious type of literature".
From BBC ● Jun. 12, 2026
“Titanic” was not merely a romance; it was also historical fiction, a drama and a big-budget action.
From Salon ● Jan. 23, 2026
This novel is a work of historical fiction.
From "Mississippi Trial, 1955" by Chris Crowe
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
