graphic novel

noun

Synonyms of graphic novelnext
: 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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One potential project for the filmmaker was an adaptation of Daniel Clowes’ graphic novel, Monica, with Cate Blanchett reportedly interested to star. Justin Kroll, Deadline, 27 Jan. 2026 Based on the 2006 graphic novel of the same name by Gene Luen Yang, American Born Chinese tells the story of Jin Wang (Ben Wang), a second-generation immigrant high schooler who is tasked with helping new exchange student Wei-Chen (Jimmy Liu) acclimate. Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Jan. 2026 The graphic novel will be published by Zombie Love Studios, of which Barnes is the founder. Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026 The conciseness, the visual satisfaction, and the crucial interplay between image and word makes reading a good graphic novel—or, in this case, graphic memoir—an electrifying, transporting experience. Literary Hub, 16 Jan. 2026 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 31 Jan. 2026.

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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