Novel Meaning in English
word
/ˈnɑvəɫ/
NAH-vuhl
/nˈɒvəl/
NO-vuhl
Definition
A novel is a long written story, usually about imaginary characters and events, published as a book. It is longer and more developed than a short story.
Usage & Nuances
Most commonly a noun meaning a long fictional book. In formal English, 'novel' can also be an adjective meaning 'new and unusual', but that is a different use. Common collocations: 'write a novel', 'read a novel', 'historical novel', 'crime novel'.
Spanish: novela - novela literariaPortuguese (BR): romancePortuguese (PT): romanceChinese (Simplified): 小说Chinese (Traditional): 小說Hindi: उपन्यासArabic: روايةBengali: উপন্যাসRussian: романJapanese: 小説Vietnamese: tiểu thuyếtKorean: 소설Turkish: romanUrdu: ناولIndonesian: novel
Example Sentences
She is reading a novel on the bus.
basic
He wrote his first novel last year.
basic
This novel is about a family in a small town.
basic
I started that novel, but I couldn't get into it.
natural
Her new novel is apparently being turned into a TV series.
natural
If the movie feels rushed, it's probably because the novel is so detailed.
natural