novels

word · lemma: novel

/ˈnɑvəɫz/
NAH-vuhlz
/nˈɒvəlz/
NOV-uhlz

Definition

Books that tell long, fictional stories about characters and events, usually written in prose.

Usage & Nuances

"Novels" always refers to long works of fiction, not non-fiction or short stories. Common collocations: "read novels", "write novels", "detective novels". Do not confuse with "novellas" (shorter works) or "romance novels" (a genre, not all novels).

Example Sentences

She loves to read mystery novels.

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He started writing his own novels last year.

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Some novels are very long, with hundreds of pages.

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Some people collect first editions of classic novels.

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After finishing a good novel, I always want to read another.

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Not all novels are serious—some are just for fun or adventure.

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