short story

noun

Synonyms of short storynext
: an invented prose narrative shorter than a novel usually dealing with a few characters and aiming at unity of effect and often concentrating on the creation of mood rather than plot

Examples of short story in a Sentence

her very first short story was accepted for publication in a local journal
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.
Her short stories have appeared in numerous journals and anthologies and her nonfiction has appeared in the New York Times Book Review, the Chicago Tribune Sunday Magazine, and elsewhere. Irene Zabytko may 7, Literary Hub, 7 May 2026 Our subscribers enjoy unlimited access to more than a hundred years’ worth of New Yorker articles, covers, cartoons, short stories, podcasts, and puzzles. David Remnick, New Yorker, 4 May 2026 The centerpiece of this movie — and what blew me away in the play, as read by Strong — is the absolutely unhinged monologue Jackie delivers, reading from her short stories. Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 1 May 2026 The script is based on a short story by Sean Lewis. Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for short story

Word History

First Known Use

1861, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of short story was in 1861

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Cite this Entry

“Short story.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/short%20story. Accessed 10 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

short story

noun
: a short work of fiction usually dealing with a few characters and a single event

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