shojo

noun

sho·​jo ˈshō-(ˌ)jō How to pronounce shojo (audio)
variants or less commonly shoujo
plural shojo
: manga or anime intended primarily for girls
Manga was her life. The 14-year-old loved reading a variety of genres, including shojo, which was aimed at adolescent girls …Gabrielle Bellot
usually used before another noun
This tale combines the romance/slice-of-life feeling of shojo manga with the action/adventure of shonen manga …Thomas Jonte
Fruits Basket is one of the most celebrated remakes of the past few years, and one of the best-received modern shoujo anime.Rafael Motamayor
The word shoujo literally means "girl," and in Japan, shoujo manga is simply manga for teen and tween girls. The category spans a variety of genres, including high school romance, fantasy, and action tales.Brigid Alverson
compare shonen

Word History

Etymology

Japanese shōjo manga, literally, girl manga

First Known Use

1994, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shojo was in 1994

Dictionary Entries Near shojo

Cite this Entry

“Shojo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shojo. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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