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short story
noun
: an invented prose narrative shorter than a novel usually dealing with a few characters and aiming at unity of effect and often concentrating on the creation of mood rather than plot
Examples of short story in a Sentence
her very first short story was accepted for publication in a local journal
Recent Examples on the Web
At the same time, the short story’s last gesture should feel adequate to itself, a completion.
—Deborah Treisman, The New Yorker, 23 June 2024
The film — directed by Max and Sam Eggers (brothers of director Robert Eggers) — is based on Susan Hill’s 2016 short story of the same name.
—Angel Diaz, Billboard, 21 June 2024
Based on writer Susan Hill's short story of the same name, The Front Room was written and directed by Max and Sam Eggers, the brothers of The Witch, The Lighthouse, and The Northman helmer Robert Eggers.
—EW.com, 20 June 2024
The Life of Chuck is based on the 2020 Stephen King short story of the same name.
—Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for short story
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'short story.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1861, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near short story
Cite this Entry
“Short story.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/short%20story. Accessed 4 Jul. 2024.
Kids Definition
short story
noun
: a short work of fiction usually dealing with a few characters and a single event
More from Merriam-Webster on short story
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about short story
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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