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Synonyms

short story

American  

noun

  1. a piece of prose fiction, usually under 10,000 words.


short story British  

noun

  1. a prose narrative of shorter length than the novel, esp one that concentrates on a single theme

"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

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of short story

First recorded in 1885–90

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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.

Noir fans will recognize the title as belonging to a short story by William Irish, the pen name of that master of unease, Cornell Woolrich.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

When Dame Hilary published her original short story in 2014, its title was meant to provoke a reaction, according to playwright Alexandra Wood.

From BBC • May 8, 2026

The short story made its way into Thomas' best-known collection of short stories, Portrait of the Artist as a Young Dog, which was published in 1940.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026

Khong had suggested meeting at the animal shelter because it’s a key setting for her short story “Tapetum Lucidum,” named for the demon-like glow behind some animals’ superior night vision.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

Poe won a short story contest and the prize was publication in a local paper.

From "Book Scavenger" by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman

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