graphic novel

noun

: 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 Flynn, Macfarlane, and artist Dave McKean also recently signed a deal to create a graphic novel retelling the Epic of Gilgamesh, set for publication in 2027. Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 5 Apr. 2024 Their mother, Betsy, writes novels, graphic novels, screenplays and children’s books, per her Instagram. Ilana Frost, Peoplemag, 2 Apr. 2024 Today’s graphic novels look back to this early lineage. Kristen Radtke, The Atlantic, 21 Feb. 2024 Trident publishes books in every genre, from fiction to nonfiction to children’s books and graphic novels. Meimei Fox, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2024 The book marks the beginning of a graphic novel series focusing on sports world giants. Lizz Schumer, Peoplemag, 28 Mar. 2024 Based on Bong Joon Ho's 2013 film of the same name, which was itself based on a graphic novel, Snowpiercer follows what remains of humanity in post-apocalyptic 2026, after the Earth has frozen into an icy landscape. Shania Russell, EW.com, 14 Mar. 2024 Snowpiercer is based on Bong Joon-ho’s 2013 movie (which is in turn based on a French graphic novel) about the last survivors of a frozen Earth who circle the globe in a continously running, heavily class-stratified train. Rick Porter, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Mar. 2024 The two also are adapting 'Dune' into a graphic novel series, with the first volume published in 2020. Jenny Porter Tilley, The Courier-Journal, 29 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'graphic novel.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near graphic novel

Cite this Entry

“Graphic novel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/graphic%20novel. Accessed 17 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

graphic novel

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

More from Merriam-Webster on graphic novel

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