penny dreadful

noun

, Chiefly British.

, plural penny dreadfuls.

1. a cheap, sensational novel of adventure, crime, or violence; dime novel.

penny-dreadful

noun

1. informal.
   a cheap, often lurid or sensational book or magazine

Word History and Origins

Origin of penny dreadful¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

Bloody as it is, Penny Dreadful is also rather beautiful, owing to some spectacular set design and spot-on horror imagery.

From The Daily Beast

Mother doesnt allow me to read any penny-dreadful story papers, magazines or books.

From Project Gutenberg

"Some lazy loafer reading a penny dreadful," I thought, glancing at him, then at the title of his book.

From Project Gutenberg

If this were done, literature of the "penny dreadful" description would to a great extent be excluded.

From Project Gutenberg

The wildest flight of fancy of an irresponsible novelist had never created such a character in penny-dreadful fiction.

From Project Gutenberg

Transcriber's Note: This book was originally published in "penny dreadful" form.

From Project Gutenberg