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.
Both were popular novelists of rip-roaring historical fiction, both were politically active Tories, and both had the Borderlands at the heart of their works and lives.
From BBC ● Feb. 3, 2026
However, what elevates “Sinners” beyond the gore — what makes it a delicious piece of historical fiction — are the details woven into the story’s fabric.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 24, 2026
“Titanic” was not merely a romance; it was also historical fiction, a drama and a big-budget action.
From Salon ● Jan. 23, 2026
Co-written with partner and frequent collaborator Brady Corbet, the film continues their shared interest in historical fiction, this time based on the story of the founder of the religious sect known as the Shakers.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 12, 2025
There were racks loaded with mysteries, Newbery winners, historical fiction, biographies, and short stories.
From "The Landry News" by Andrew Clements
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
