Synonyms

graphic novel

American

noun

a novel in the form of comic strips.

graphic novel British

noun

a novel in the form of a comic strip

"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 graphic novel

First recorded in 1985–90

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.

Other awards at the ceremony include categories for best illustrator, fiction, debut fiction, science fiction and fantasy, discover, romantic fiction author and graphic novel.

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2026

The graphic novel illustrator, 38, says he is alarmed by society's increasing dependence on artificial intelligence, which he insists is inferior to the things it is being used to replace.

From Barron's • Mar. 5, 2026

It's the final instalment of Oseman's hit graphic novel series which has followed the lives of Nick and Charlie, two teenage boys who fall for each other at school.

From BBC • Dec. 24, 2025

Many editions of “Frankenstein” were on display, including a 1934 cult favorite from illustrator Lynd Ward, often credited as the precursor of the graphic novel.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 7, 2025

It was a graphic novel about two brothers, one who falls madly in love with a girl only to have his heart horribly broken.

From "Bone Gap" by Laura Ruby

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