short story

noun

: an invented prose narrative shorter than a novel usually dealing with a few characters and aiming at unity of effect and often concentrating on the creation of mood rather than plot

Synonyms of short story

• tale
• story
• novella
• narrative

Examples of short story in a Sentence

her very first short story was accepted for publication in a local journal

Recent Examples on the Web

In total, Higgins Clark wrote over 40 suspense novels, four collections of short stories, a historical novel, a memoir, and two children’s books. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2026

The film, a touching adaptation of an 1852 Turgenev short story of the same name, features an unconventional cast directed by a seasoned documentarian. — James Folta, Literary Hub, 23 Sep. 2026

Atlanta author Lydia Mathis’ literary debut features candid, revealing short stories. — Suzanne Van Atten, AJC.com, 20 Sep. 2026

Bowing at least year’s Toronto, a home-run from Isabel Coixet, Adapting a short story collection by Italy’s Michela Murgia, who died of cancer at 51. — Callum McLennan, Variety, 18 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1861, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for short story

• aurore
• forbore
• outlawry
• pylori
• savoury
• signori
• signory
• vainglory
• accusatory
• admonitory
• ambulatory
• amendatory

Kids Definition

short story

noun

: a short work of fiction usually dealing with a few characters and a single event