English · Arts & Literature
novel
/ˈnɒv.əl/
[/ˈnɒv.əl/]
long fictional story
Beginnernoun
Definition
A long written story about imaginary people and events, published as a book.
Example
She stayed up late finishing the novel, desperate to learn how the gripping mystery would end.
She stayed up late finishing the novel, desperate to learn how the gripping mystery would end.
Etymology
From Italian 'novella' (a new story), from Latin 'novellus' (new), from 'novus' (new).
How & Where It’s Used
The main form of long fiction; also an adjective meaning new or unusual.