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

Live-action adaptations of manga and anime have been hit or miss, as demonstrated by successes like One Piece and Alice in Borderland, and failures like Cowboy Bebop and Death Note. —Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Oct. 2025

Based on Gege Akutami’s manga, the film follows Gojo Satoru and Geto Suguru, two sorcerers tasked with protecting Amanai Riko, a student chosen as the Star Plasma Vessel, while being pursued by curse users and a religious cult. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 20 Oct. 2025

Previously known as the Tokyo Story Market, the three-year-old initiative brings together publishers holding rights to Japanese manga, novels and games. —Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 17 Oct. 2025

Both Japanese manga and Chinese text on a Sichuan restaurant’s menu were translated into English for me, with verbal readouts and green text on the display. —PC Magazine, 17 Oct. 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