nonliterate

adjective

non·​lit·​er·​ate ˌnän-ˈli-t(ə-)rət How to pronounce nonliterate (audio)
1
: not literate
2
: having no written language
nonliterate noun

Examples of nonliterate in a Sentence

an organization helping nonliterate adults improve their reading skills
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Such a practice would have been especially useful in nonliterate societies where knowledge was transmitted orally. Amanda Fortini, New York Times, 12 Nov. 2020

Word History

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of nonliterate was in 1947

Dictionary Entries Near nonliterate

Cite this Entry

“Nonliterate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonliterate. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

nonliterate

adjective
non·​lit·​er·​ate -ˈlit-ə-rət How to pronounce nonliterate (audio)
-ˈlit-rət
1
: not literate
2
: having no written language
nonliterate noun
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!