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

Although the history of Ireland’s treatment of unmarried women and their children is violent and bleak, the novella, like Bill’s life, is characterized by ordinary, small moments of love. —Amanda Parrish Morgan, The Atlantic, 23 Dec. 2024

This three-part special presented by FX leans heavily into the Dickensian aspect of the novella, delving into the grim realities of Victorian-era London to illuminate the depths of Ebenezer Scrooge's (Guy Pearce) psyche. —Andrew Walsh, EW.com, 12 Dec. 2024

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

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