What does "novel" mean?
A work of prose fiction, longer than a novella.
Novel
/ˈnɑvəl/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A work of prose fiction, longer than a novella.
- Grammar: novel is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: afisr, authentic, avant garde, avant-garde.
- Useful contrasts: obsolete, american history textbook, ancient civilization.
- Usage evidence: Have you finished reading the novel?
How to use "novel"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "novel" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "novel" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "novel" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "novel" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "novel" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "afisr" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "novel", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A work of prose fiction, longer than a novella.
"If it be true, that the preſent age is more corrupt, than the preceding, the great multiplication of Novels has probably contributed to its degeneracy. Fifty years ago there was ſcarcely a Novel in the kingdom. Romances, indeed, abounded; but they, it is ſuppoſed, were rather favorable to virtue."
- 2 A novelty; something new. obsolete
"Libum is a cake made of Honey (sugar is a nouvelle, since the discovery of America), meale and oyle."
- 3 A new legal constitution in ancient Rome. historical
"The normal and natural relationship of emperor and churchman was summed up by Justinian in one of his novels […]"
- 4 a printed and bound book that is an extended work of fiction wordnet
- 5 A fable; a short tale, especially one of many making up a larger work. historical
"merry tales[…]such as the old woman told of Psyche in Apuleius, Boccace novels, and the rest, quarum auditione pueri delectantur, senes narratione, which some delight to hear, some to tell, all are well pleased with."
Show 1 more definition
- 6 an extended fictional work in prose; usually in the form of a story wordnet
Adjective
- 1 Newly made, formed or evolved; having no precedent; of recent origin; new.
- 2 Original, especially in an interesting way; new and striking; not of the typical or ordinary type.
Adjective
- 1 pleasantly new or different wordnet
- 2 original and of a kind not seen before wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"Have you finished reading the novel?"
Common questions
What is a synonym for "novel"?
Common synonyms include: afisr, authentic, avant garde, avant-garde, bauble, be original.
How do you use "novel" in a sentence?
Have you finished reading the novel?
How do you pronounce "novel"?
Pronounced /ˈnɑvəl/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Middle English novel, from Old French novel (“new, fresh, recent, recently made or done, strange, rare”) (modern nouvel, nouveau), from Latin novellus (“new, fresh, young, modern”), diminutive of novus (“new”). Doublet of nouveau.
Etymology 2
Borrowed from Italian novella, from Latin novella, feminine of novellus. Doublet of novella.
Etymology 3
From Middle English novel, from Old French novelle, from Latin novella, feminine of novellus.
Etymology 4
Borrowed from Latin novella, feminine of novellus.