autofiction

American  

[aw-toh-fik-shuhn] / ˈɔ toʊˌfɪk ʃən /

noun

1. a genre of novel or short story whose narrator or protagonist is understood to be the author, and which explores the author’s real-life story using the techniques and devices of fiction.

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Etymology

Origin of autofiction

First recorded in 1975–80; auto- ¹ ( def. ) + fiction ( def. )

Example Sentences

His movie is a remarkable piece of autofiction, retelling his first experience with air travel as if it were a love story.

From Salon • Jun. 10, 2026

Unlike much contemporary literary fiction, which weighs heavily toward interiority and autofiction, Shriver’s novels are both idea- and plot-driven.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 31, 2026

The musician has been careful to clarify that some of the songs are written "in character", saying that the lyrics "could be considered autofiction" - a genre that combines autobiography and fiction.

From BBC • Oct. 24, 2025

He plans to write another novel, in the more experimental form of lyrical autofiction.

From New York Times • May 10, 2024

“The Great” is subtitled “An occasionally true story,” but it’s more of a flamboyant, darkly comedic autofiction than it is a factual biopic.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 30, 2023