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 yearly comic convention caters to a wide-range of pop cultural interests — from Star Wars to Star Trek, cosplay, anime, manga and comic books, as well as vendors selling toys, apparel and other items. —John Tufts, IndyStar, 30 Jan. 2026

Based on Kisei Tada’s manga S and X, the series explores desire, self-esteem and modern relationships through an earnest and empathetic lens. —Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 27 Jan. 2026

In preparation to create the book, Apelian studied cooking manga, a genre of Japanese comics that incorporates food into the plot. —Liz Ohanesian, Oc Register, 27 Jan. 2026

Meanwhile, surrounding it is the Japan Center Mall, which houses the Kinokuniya Bookstore, offering a wide selection of Japanese literature and manga. —Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 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