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
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.
For the past twenty years, Weinstein’s funny, beautiful, and bizarre comics and graphic novels have addressed universal human issues such as mortality, time, motherhood, and most recently, domestic violence. Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Jan. 2026 Eisner was one of the earliest cartoonists to work in American comic books and was a pioneer of the graphic novel concept. Todd Richmond, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026 Artist and writer Kevin Mellon is adapting the graphic novel from the feature script written by Peykoff and the Neese Brothers, who are known as co-executive producers of The Umbrella Academy. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 6 Jan. 2026 This book, which argues that kids are willing and eager to put down the phones and re-enter the real world, is a mix of graphic novel-style narrative and text boxes with questions, tips, and truths about the dangers of social media geared toward kids ages 8-16. Katie Grant, Parents, 3 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Graphic novel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/graphic%20novel. Accessed 16 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!