literary fiction UK /ˈlɪt(ə)ɹəɹi ˌfɪk(t)ʃən/US /ˈlɪt(ə)ɹɛɹi ˌfɪk(t)ʃən/ noun2 •Any work of fiction regarded as having literary merit.I don't think "A is for Apple" qualifies as literary fiction. •Fiction lacking speculative elements and centred on character and theme.While she usually reads science fiction, she also enjoys literary fiction.