We have changed our privacy policy. In addition, we use cookies on our website for various purposes. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. You can learn about our practices by reading our privacy policy.

Literature Glossary

Don’t be an oxymoron. Know your literary terms.

Over 200 literary terms, Shmooped to perfection.

Denotation (Literary)

Definition:

The denotation is the literal, straightforward meaning of a word. We're talking dictionary definition. The word cat denotes an animal with four legs and a habit of coughing up furballs. Snooze.

Tags: General