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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This graphic novel, which relies heavily on illustration, is ideal for reluctant readers and provides a realistic portrayal of how nonverbal individuals communicate through signs and body language. Sara Rowe Mount, Parents, 26 Dec. 2025 And this inspired a later wave of personalized comic writing, culminating in Art Spiegelman’s Maus, as well as many of the autobiographical graphic novels that flood the market today. David Zane Mairowitz, Rolling Stone, 22 Dec. 2025 In 2027, the line will expand further with the debut of an all-new line of middle grade and young adult graphic novels, all set in their own, accessible continuity outside of the core Oni publishing line. Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 18 Dec. 2025 The restaurant is a generous font of distress, and takes up as much space in the graphic novel as a job does in real life. E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 17 Dec. 2025 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 2 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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