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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The forthcoming graphic novel — a collaboration between comic book writer Rodney Barnes, artist Jason Shawn Alexander and Shaggy himself — spins a supernatural adventure that blends history, fantasy, music and suspense. 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 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 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 24 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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