graphic novel

noun

: a story that is presented in comic-strip format and published as a book

Examples of graphic novel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Weisz showed off her range in everything from the rom-com About a Boy (2002) to the dark graphic novel adaptation Constantine (2005) before winning an Oscar for The Constant Gardener (2005). Andrew Walsh, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Nov. 2025 The color screen is ideal for reading graphic novels and comics. PC Magazine, 7 Nov. 2025 The novel, published by award-winning publisher of comics and graphic novels Oni Press, is also brought to life by distinguished artists Alvin Epps, Millicent Monroe and Bex Glendining. Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2025 Last week, Chernin Entertainment landed a hot package, with Sam Hargrave attached to direct an adaptation of Dark Horse Comics graphic novel Last Flight Out, written by Marc Guggenheim. Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 5 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for graphic novel

Word History

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of graphic novel was in 1964

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Cite this Entry

“Graphic novel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/graphic%20novel. Accessed 10 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

graphic novel

noun
: a work of fiction or non-fiction that is presented in comic-strip format and published as a book

More from Merriam-Webster on graphic novel

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