Les Misérables

American  

[ley mee-zey-ra-bl^uh] / leɪ mi zeɪˈra blə /

noun

1. a novel (1862) by Victor Hugo.

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Les Misérables Cultural  

1. (1862) A novel by Victor Hugo. The central character, Jean Valjean, is sentenced to prison for stealing a single loaf of bread. Later, seeking respectability, Valjean is hounded by his archenemy, Inspector Javert.

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The broad canvas of Hugo's novel has been adapted for numerous films and a long-running Broadway (see also Broadway) musical (usually known as Les Miz).

Example Sentences

The role that propelled her to fame - Eponine in Les Misérables - was only possible because she was able to skip the audition process entirely.

From BBC • May 4, 2026

At a young age, Bailey was an actor in the Royal Shakespeare Company and appeared in West End productions like "Les Misérables."

From Salon • Dec. 9, 2024

“The sewer is the conscience of the city,” wrote the poet and novelist Victor Hugo, of Les Misérables fame.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 16, 2024

"It whips up wit, warmth, and the beloved memories of classics past: there's a big dollop of Mary Poppins here, a little Matilda, some Oliver!, and, then, unexpectedly, a pinch of Les Misérables."

From BBC • Dec. 5, 2023

I’m learning a lot about the similarities between the musicals Les Misérables and Hamilton.

From "The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl" by Stacy McAnulty