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.

---

Etymology

Origin of autofiction

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

Example Sentences

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

In this occasionally saccharine yet blithely comical piece of rich-people-problems autofiction, Clooney is the funniest he’s been in years, taking shots at himself and the life he’s chosen with a marksman’s aim.

From Salon • Oct. 2, 2025

“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

Many of you emailed me various thoughts about memoir and autofiction.

From New York Times • Jun. 22, 2023