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

It's based on a popular manga series. —K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 27 Mar. 2026

The series of after-hours events, now in its second year, will also feature experiences tied to Harry Potter, Nintendo, Dungeons & Dragons and various Japanese manga franchises on select nights from April 23 through May 16. —Jeffrey Miller, Daily News, 27 Mar. 2026

The series was adapted into an anime series last year, and this 23rd volume serves as the last in the manga version. —Billboard Japan, Billboard, 26 Mar. 2026

Netflix says the release also triggered a spike in sales of the original manga. —Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 25 Mar. 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