novelist

noun

nov·​el·​ist ˈnä-və-list How to pronounce novelist (audio)
ˈnäv-
Synonyms of novelistnext
: a writer of novels

Examples of novelist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And Henry's work also helped Kuang to visualize her own path as a novelist. Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026 The Prime Video crime thriller is based on characters created by popular novelist James Patterson. Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 8 Jan. 2026 The story of Quichotte’s quest is being written, in alternating chapters, by Sam DuChamp, a mid-list spy novelist making his first foray into literary fiction. Erin Somers, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2026 The evident tension between the family of strangers sends the novelist back to memories of being 16 years old, a year of firsts for her. Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for novelist

Word History

First Known Use

1728, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of novelist was in 1728

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Cite this Entry

“Novelist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/novelist. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

novelist

noun
nov·​el·​ist ˈnäv-(ə-)ləst How to pronounce novelist (audio)
: a writer of novels
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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