novella

noun

no·​vel·​la nō-ˈve-lə 

plural novellas or novelle nō-ˈve-lē 

1

plural novelle : a story with a compact and pointed plot

2

plural novellas : a work of fiction intermediate in length and complexity between a short story and a novel

Synonyms

• narrative
• novelette
• short story
• story
• tale
• yarn

Examples of novella in a Sentence

pressed for time, many English teachers have their students read the one novella among the novelist's works

Recent Examples on the Web

As a brainstorm for Nosferatu, Eggers wrote full novellas for each of the main characters. —Maya Ibbitson, Architectural Digest, 23 Dec. 2024

The package is based on a novella by Neil Paik, who is attached to adapt. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 18 Dec. 2024

Related Articles The film is based on William S. Burroughs’ semi-autobiographical novella of the same name. —Hikmat Mohammed, WWD, 18 Dec. 2024

Keegan’s novella is set in a small Irish town in 1985 as coal merchant Bill Furlong faces the busiest season of the year. —Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 9 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Italian, "piece of news, announcement, story, narrative," noun derivative from feminine of novello "new," going back to Latin novellus "young, tender (of plants or animals)," from novus "new" + -ellus, diminutive suffix — more at new entry 1

First Known Use

1677, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

novella

noun

no·​vel·​la nō-ˈvel-ə 

: a work of fiction falling between a short story and a novel in length and complexity