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

Buy Now 'Empress of Salt and Fortune' by Nghi Vo This novella is the beginning of a series, and each installment feels like folklore. —Veronica Roth, Peoplemag, 18 June 2024

The story won the Nebula Award that year for best novella. —Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 June 2024

The show is centered around Martin’s collection of novellas called The Tales of Dunk and Egg. —Moises Mendez Ii, TIME, 10 June 2024

Fans have long hoped for an adaptation of the Tales of Dunk and Egg series of novellas. —Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 5 Apr. 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