manga

noun

man·​ga ˈmäŋ-gə 

plural manga also mangas

: Japanese comic books and graphic novels considered collectively as a genre

The characters' faces beam the big-eyed, manically jolly winsomeness that in anime and manga signals contentment.

—Peter Schjeldahl

also : an individual comic book or graphic novel of the manga genre

This black-and-white manga is based on the Japanese animated TV series of the same name …

—Library Journal

Examples of manga in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Co-founded by Lucas and his wife, Mellody Hobson, the museum will rotate the famous filmmaker’s vast collection of narrative art, which contains objects not found in more traditional museums, including manga, comics and children’s tales. —Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026

Pick up your copy of the manga at the front desk. —Ramona Sentinel, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026

The museum will also present exhibitions dedicated to comic and graphic storytelling, with works by artists including Jack Kirby and Alison Bechdel, as well as displays highlighting Japanese manga and anime. —City News Service, Daily News, 30 Apr. 2026

Song of the Samurai is based on a popular manga series and tells the story of Toshizo Hijikata, a street brawler who makes a living selling medicine for his family. —K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 29 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Japanese, comic, cartoon, from man- involuntary, aimless + -ga picture

First Known Use

circa 1951, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for manga

• ganga
• pampanga

Kids Definition

manga

noun

man·​ga ˈmäŋ-gə 

: a Japanese comic book or graphic novel