graphic novel

noun

Synonyms of graphic novelnext
: a story that is presented in comic-strip format and published as a book

Examples of graphic novel 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.
Lubchansky’s graphic novel is vivid and delightful, full of noodly limbs, swirling tentacles, and cartoon blood and guts. Emma Sarappo, The Atlantic, 1 May 2026 The show is based on the graphic novels of the same name. Rodney Ho, AJC.com, 1 May 2026 The project is inspired by Laura Martel’s graphic novel Winnipeg, el barco de Neruda, and its soundtrack is composed by Diego Navarro. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 28 Apr. 2026 The Netflix series, which stars Joe Locke and Kit Connor as Charlie Spring and Nick Nelson, is based on Alice Oseman's graphic novel series of the same name, and premiered on the streamer in 2022. Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for graphic novel

Word History

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of graphic novel was in 1964

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Cite this Entry

“Graphic novel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/graphic%20novel. Accessed 4 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

graphic novel

noun
: a work of fiction or non-fiction that is presented in comic-strip format and published as a book

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