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

The popular anime franchise Berserk, based on the manga created by Kentaro Miura, has been delighting fans since the 1990s. —Chris Snellgrove, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Sep. 2025

The Japanese live-action series, which was adapted from Haro Aso's manga series, premiered in 2020. —Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025

For director and co-writer Shinsuke Sato, a third season that moved beyond the main action of the manga allowed for greater freedom to explore the questions provoked by this Borderland reveal. —Kayti Burt, Time, 26 Sep. 2025

The event features booths selling anime, manga, collectibles and cards. —Marcus Smith, Sacbee.com, 26 Sep. 2025

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