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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Beowulf has been translated dozens of times, into many languages, and has inspired films, video games and graphic novels. Literary Hub, 10 Oct. 2025 This stimulating and picturesque biographical graphic novel captures the extraordinary life of Fela Kuti, the Nigerian musician who put the Afrobeat genre of music at the forefront as an international voice of resistance. Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 9 Oct. 2025 Adapted from legendary underground comic artist Johnny Ryan’s graphic novel of the same name, the film is a throwback to the kind of old-school midnight movie that prioritizes shock value above all else. Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 2 Oct. 2025 Sarkis, with millions of followers across several platforms including Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, is focusing on what’s in a name by making a jump into the four-color world of graphic novels. Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 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 17 Oct. 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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