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Synonyms

graphic novel

American  

noun

  1. a novel in the form of comic strips.


graphic novel British  

noun

  1. 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.

The law was passed in 2023, 13 years after Chicago Public Schools, without explanation or warning, removed Marjane Satrapi’s graphic novel autobiography “Persepolis” from classrooms and libraries, sparking a student movement against censorship.

From Salon • Jun. 20, 2026

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

I had a mutual friend who introduced us because Ethan had written a graphic novel about the Apache Wars and Geronimo.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 21, 2025

Elizabeth pulls out a graphic novel and almost literally sticks her nose in it.

From "A Place at the Table" by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan

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