flash fiction

American

noun

very short works of fiction that are typically no longer than a couple of pages and may be as short as one paragraph.

Etymology

Origin of flash fiction

First recorded in 1990–95

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.

Upon further investigation, all the flash fiction and poetry appeared to have been AI-generated.

From Salon • Sep. 23, 2023

The flash fiction stories in this collection are sure to turn your dreams into nightmares.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 26, 2021

His second book, a collection of short stories and flash fiction, drops the ruse.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 19, 2021

After getting into flash fiction, and trying to figure out how I could tighten some of my old stories, I suddenly realized that the introductory part was all I needed.

From Nature • Apr. 7, 2020

In a piece of flash fiction titled “Negative Emotions,” Lydia Davis makes an eloquent case for negativity.

From Slate • Feb. 6, 2015

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023