What does novel mean?
Novel is both an adjective and a noun, but its two uses come from a shared idea of newness. As an adjective, it describes something original, innovative, or unlike what has existed before: a novel idea, method, or interpretation. The word can carry a positive sense of creative thinking, though it may also simply emphasize that something is previously unseen. As a noun, a novel is a long fictional prose narrative, especially one presented as a book. It differs from a short story chiefly in length and sustained development, while a novella is generally shorter. The adjective meaning became established through the word’s history as a literary term for a newly published work before extending into general usage. Today, “novel” is useful when an idea or approach is not only recent but meaningfully different from familiar practice. Its association with literature remains strong even when it describes scientific, social, or cultural innovation.
New, original, or different from anything previously known or expected.
"The team developed a novel solution to a problem that had resisted conventional methods."
Often implies more than recency: the thing is distinctive, original, or departs from established practice.
An extended fictional prose narrative, especially one published as a book.
"The novel was translated into more than thirty languages."
In literary usage, a novel is a substantial work of prose fiction, normally longer and more sustained than a short story or novella.
The standard plural of the noun is “novels.” The adjective is normally not pluralized.
"The library has a large collection of novels by twentieth-century writers."
The word novel comes from Latin novellus, meaning “new,” so a novel work has always been, at heart, something that breaks with the familiar.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does novel come from?
The word derives from Latin novellus, a diminutive of novus, meaning “new.” It entered English in the late 16th century, initially referring to news or recent events and then to a newly published literary work. The literary sense helped establish the modern meaning “new, original, or unprecedented,” while the noun meaning developed from the use of novel for a newly issued book. Related English words such as novelty, novice, and novella share the Latin root’s association with newness.
Related word forms
How novel is actually used
When used as an adjective, “novel” usually suggests originality or a departure from established practice; it is more than merely new. As a noun, it refers to a substantial work of prose fiction, distinct from a short story and generally also from a play.
Easily confused with novel
A novel is usually a long fictional prose work, whereas a novella is typically shorter and more concentrated in scope.