short story

noun

: 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

Synonyms of short story

• tale
• story
• novella
• narrative

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

Much of the rest of the film, adapted from a short story by Ursula Wills-Jones and directed by real-life couple Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson, focuses on the couple’s staggering carnal connection. — Rachel Handler, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026

Other British stars to have teamed up with Noiser include Dame Julie Andrews, who narrated an adaptation of Emma, and Hugh Bonneville, who narrated some Sherlock Holmes short stories. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026

This World of Tomorrow is based on a series of short stories written by Hanks. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2026

King initially meant to write a short story after reading an article in Life magazine about telekinesis. — ArsTechnica, 21 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1861, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for short story

• aurore
• forbore
• outlawry
• pylori
• savoury
• signori
• signory
• vainglory
• accusatory
• admonitory
• ambulatory
• amendatory

Kids Definition

short story

noun

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