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Synonyms

manga

American  
[mahng-guh, mang‑] / ˈmɑŋ gə, ˈmæŋ‑ /

noun

  1. a Japanese graphic novel, typically intended for adults, characterized by highly stylized art.


manga British  
/ ˈmæŋɡə /

noun

    1. a type of Japanese comic book with an adult theme

    2. ( as modifier )

      manga videos

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of manga

1985–90; < Japanese: literally, cartoon, comic strip

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Explanation

Manga is a Japanese style of comic books and graphic novels. Astro Boy and Dragon Ball are examples of popular manga. Manga is sold around the world and translated into dozens of languages, but it's mainly published in Japan, where it's popular with all ages of readers. In Japanese, manga literally translates to "involuntary pictures," but the word is used to describe both comics and cartooning. Western fans of manga recognize its distinctive style, with impressionistic backgrounds and big-eyed characters. Most manga is read from right to left, like Japanese writing.

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Vocabulary lists containing manga

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Crunchyroll Manga will be launched as a separate reading app from the streaming video platform.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 25, 2025

The new challenge, Manga added, is figuring out how to physically explore this undiscovered world.

From Salon • Aug. 14, 2024

Prof Manga added that water was "the most important molecule in shaping the evolution of a planet".

From BBC • Aug. 12, 2024

"It could be that the collapse enabled the eruption to be bigger than it otherwise would have been because it pressurized the magma underneath," Manga says.

From Science Magazine • May 27, 2024

There's a stack of books on a table nearby, all titled Manga Pop Art by Tanya Fujisaki.

From "Starfish" by Akemi Dawn Bowman

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